KEY WEST
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CELEBRATING THE VIBRANT BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF KEY WEST
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE MOMENT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020 7:15 P.M. Water cannons ceremoniously welcome United Airlines flight 6128, inaugurating direct service from Houston to Key West. EYW has led the way in recovering from the COVID air travel slump, and now welcomes direct flights from 15 different markets. For more on the future of Key West International Airport, see page 26. Photo by Che Andre.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Suzanne Moore President Bill Lay First Vice President Diane Schmidt Second Vice President Karen Sharp Treasurer Patty Neyra Secretary Greg Sullivan Immediate Past President
CHAMBER TEAM
Kerry Baker (Associate Exectutive VP) Stacy Aguilar Gladys Clarks Edward Dawicki Shay Penke Dorothy Schmida 510 Greene Street, 1st Floor Key West, FL 33040 305.294.2587 www.keywestchamber.org Chamber Magazine is a publication of the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce. Produced by The Keys Weekly Newspapers, © 2021. www.keysweekly.com 4
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Cover photo by Bill Brackman/KWAHS. Photo this page by Craig Hutcheson.
Joyce Benavides Annie Briening Joe Caso David Clay Travis Doll George Fernandez Sam Holland Darren Horan Melissa Kendrick Britt Myers Mark Rossi Brittany Snyder Billy Spottswood Lynne Tejeda John Toppino
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FROM THE PRESIDENT 2020 REVIEW
18 24 26 30 38 42
WORKFORCE HOUSING
34 36
COMMITTEE REPORTS ANNUAL AWARDS
46 48
TEN QUESTIONS BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
56 64
EDUCATION REPORT
ECONOMIC STATISTICS
REMEMBERED
MEETING SPEAKERS
ACCOLADES
BUSINESS DIRECTORY SOCIAL STUDIES 2020-2021
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DEAR READER The year 2020 will certainly be one that goes down in history. The challenges we have faced as a community and as a country from COVID-19 have been tremendous and unprecedented. Who could have known that our whole way of life would change so much? And look at how we have adapted to these changes and continue to do so, helping to keep our businesses open and keep our community safe. This magazine is the first of what I hope will be many and the following pages memorialize some of the challenges that our tourism-based economy has faced, but also highlights some of our achievements and personal accolades as we move forward into 2021.
Photo by Craig Hutcheson.
I would like to commend immediate past president Greg Sullivan for navigating through one of the most tumultuous years in our island’s history. His tireless efforts to maintain balance between the business community and city government have been challenging at times but with valiant efforts and a commitment to our One Human Family, we have been successful at keeping our businesses open while promoting maximum levels of safety among our residents and tourists alike. With the much anticipated arrival of the vaccine, we will be working with local employers and businesses as well as the Health Department to assist in getting all our employees educated on the advantages of the vaccine and hopefully we will see the eradication of this world-changing virus by the end of 2021. The chamber has emerged from 2020 with strength and pride, with an increase in membership, the launch of a new website and communication tools, the establishment of a new Chamber Foundation, a sound financial position and probably the most important of all, we have developed a new 18-month strategic plan to help guide us through the challenges we will face with an evolving economy. We will continue to provide support and resources to all our members and do all we can to keep our businesses open and thriving once again in 2021. We will work side by side with our city officials and government, collaborate with other business organizations and WE WILL continue to be the voice of the business community. You hold in your hands an accounting of our impact. Thank you for supporting our efforts. I look forward to serving you as your President in 2021.
Sincerely, Suzanne Moore President
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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A YEAR OF CRISIS A YEAR OF RESOLVE
The City of Key West wrapped the iconic Southernmost Point buoy to keep visitors from gathering.
KEY WEST BUSINESSES OPTIMISTIC FOR 2021
YEAR IN REVIEW
Holland America Nieuw Statendam shortly before it left Key West on March 14, the last ship in paradise.
When Sushi’s shoe dropped on Duval Street at midnight on January 1, 2020, local prognosticators had a pretty good handle on what kind of year it was going to be locally: The Cow Key Channel bridge repair would dominate headlines as traffic backed up for months and employees struggled to reach their places of work in time. Tourists, discouraged from tackling the driving nightmare, opted for other destinations and the Keys’ tourism industry screeched to a halt. But optimism still mingled in the midnight air. Our local economy seemed invincible as the average daily rate for a Key West hotel room reached a record $400 in February while the aggregate value of real estate in Monroe County topped $30 billion for the first time ever. Nationally, the New York Stock Exchange was effortlessly reaching all-time highs and unemployment was bottoming out at all-time lows. Then, on March 15, 2020, the other shoe dropped. On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, the City of Key West declared a COVID emergency and one day later Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ordered all bars and nightclubs in Florida to close for 30 days, effective 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17. The DeSantis order also limited restaurant capacity to 50%, but Key West went farther, forbidding on-site dining and limiting restaurants to take-out and delivery only. The economic carnage had begun.
March 4 – Chamber Executive Board meets with Coast Guard Captain Adam Chamie
COVID-19 was a global pandemic, but some geographic areas were disproportionately affected, including South Florida, which had played host to the Super Bowl in early February. Cases spiked in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties and the Keys became wedged between the veritable rock and hard place—with nowhere to turn but inward. The City began closing public spaces where visitors might gather, including the sunset celebration at Mallory Square. The Southernmost Point Buoy was covered in plastic. Then the county stepped in, ordering hotels to shut down by March 20. Seven days later, a roadblock went up on the 17-mile stretch, effectively shutting out anyone who was not a resident. “It’s a disaster,” said Matt Wills, who along with his wife Katie opened up the Key West Tea and Spice Exchange in January. The couple shuttered their store on Greene Street and waited out the shutdown on their boat and pondered ways to retool. “How do we do more online sales, how do we do more wholesale to chefs and things like that?”
March 14 – Holland America Nieuw Statendam leaves port
Coast Guard Sector Key West Commander Captain Adam Chamie discusses COVID port security with the Chamber’s Executive Board.
Even before the shutdown local residents had cast a wary eye toward cruise ships, which were in the news for COVID outbreaks, leading the Chamber’s Executive Board to meet on March 4 with Coast Guard Captain Adam Chamie to understand his protocols for managing safety of the Key West port. Ten days later, cruise companies announced a voluntary suspension of most operations in the United States, followed by a “No Sail” order by the Centers for Disease Control. Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam pulled out of
March 15 – City of Key West declares state of emergency
March 15 – CDC issues No Sail order
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YEAR IN REVIEW
A line of cars stretched for nearly a mile in anticipation of a May 14 food drive at City Hall.
A play on words at the Red Garter gentlemen’s club summed up the business environment on Duval Street.
Pier B on Saturday, March 14. It would be the last cruise ship to call on Key West in 2020. BAD FOR BUSINESS Tourism is the most vulnerable business sector during a global pandemic, and the impact was immediate on the Key West workforce, where more than 60% of jobs are directly related to tourism. A city is considered fully employed when the unemployment rate is between 4-5%, and Key West had traditionally hovered around
March 17 – Bars ordered closed by Governor, restaurants 50%. City allows take-out/delivery only
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two percent or less, the lowest in the state. By April it ballooned to 22 percent. Service industry workers who had previously been undercounted in local workforce figures filed for unemployment in droves and became part of the official headcount, mushrooming the workforce total to almost 18,000. The last time Key West’s workforce eclipsed 17,000 was in 2012. Meanwhile, the pain was aggravated by a state unemployment system that bowed under the weight of the pandemic’s result, and thousands of unemployed Key Westers struggled to obtain benefits. Food insufficiency, often an invisible plight, unfolded in plain sight as food pantry lines swelled in multiple locations around the city, with car lines that sometimes snaked for blocks in wait of groceries. By April, the Catholic Church Star of the Sea pantry was serving nearly twice its number of clients and peaked at 13,500 by August. In April a U.S. Chamber of Commerce survey found 43% of small businesses expected to close permanently by the end of 2020. Meanwhile, the American Bankruptcy Institute reported that Chapter 11
March 20 – City closes public spaces
March 22 – County closes lodging
commercial bankruptcy filings rose 48% in May over the previous year. On Duval Street the toll was painfully obvious, as moving trucks loaded up remnants of once-thriving businesses until one estimator counted 50 shuttered storefronts along the iconic stretch from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. Quantifying economic fallout is an imperfect science, but an electric utility can provide as close a proxy as any. In March, Keys Energy began tracking service change requests of its commercial accounts and by the fourth quarter of 2020 a rough estimate put the number of closed businesses at 150. “You cannot duplicate Duval or this 2x4 mile island,” said Will Langley, Broker for the Berkshire Hathaway firm that manages many of the commercial rentals in Key West. “It is always the first to recover from a downturn, which we are not immune from, and we expect that to continue despite some practical adjustments that are inevitable and healthy for not only Duval Street but for our great City that is beyond compare.” Just as the economy was cast out to sea, the federal government tossed a lifeline. It was called the Payroll Protection Plan, also known as PPP. A major feature of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, PPP allowed businesses to maintain payroll and fund other overhead expenses with a forgivable loan. Records show more than 1,500
March 27 – County establishes U.S. 1 roadblock
YEAR IN REVIEW
Downtime on Duval Street allowed the City to spruce up the historic route with a new coast of blacktop.
Monroe County imposed an upper Keys roadblock that turned away non-residents for over two months.
Florida Keys businesses were approved for loans totaling close to $100 million. The Chamber helped members navigate the system with webinars and extensive communication, but local bankers were the real heroes, working seven days a week to ensure clients completed their paperwork. “Many of our team members called somebody to say ‘you’ve been approved’ and on many occasions the person on the other end of the phone started crying,” said Karen Sharp, President of Keys State Bank and a Chamber board member. “It was such a relief to them that they would be getting some liquidity to help their business. Then they knew they could call their employees back to work and they knew what that meant to the employee’s family.” But as calendar pages turned with no COVID end in sight, a different crisis began to emerge: mental health. The Chamber provided a number of tools for members, including free webinars on stress and anxiety management from trainer and consultant Elisa Levy.
Though commercial airline travel never stopped completely, state leaders imposed strict guidelines including mandatory quarantines. The total number of commercial passengers disembarking at Key West International Airport dropped from 31,000 in March to only 889 in April, the smallest monthly number since the 9/11 attacks shut down air service nationwide.
May 4 – Restaurants reopen at 50%
“The Chamber really was an extended family during the pandemic,” said Deejay Halligan, owner of Tropical Vibes, a Greene Street rolled ice cream and shaved ice parlor. “Never once did we feel as if we were the only vessel in the unpredictable COVID Storm. Our fellow Chamber Members really leaned in and we are now swimming back to the top. We can’t thank the board enough for keeping us informed during such dark times.” Key West had seen its share of temporary shutdowns in the wake of past hurricanes, but the extended COVID closure was unprecedented. Playing off the theme that every challenge creates opportunity, the City of Key West ramped up plans for resurfacing Duval Street. Work crews from Toppino & Sons Construction took over empty streets, re-pouring concrete on damaged curbs and fixing drain issues before asphalt crews rolled new pavement from Truman Avenue to Zero Duval. The big-machine work on a deserted Duval was so mesmerizing, a Chamber video went viral and at last count had logged more than a half million views.
May 17 – County announces roadblock will end on June 1
LIVES AND LIVELIHOODS The county roadblock that began on March 27 had been established under an emergency order with the goal of keeping Keys’ COVID cases in check. And it worked. With hundreds of vacant hospital beds, four deaths and only 110 infections reported, local business leaders began to advocate for a reopening. Livelihoods had been sidelined for more than two months but some balked at welcoming back visitors, and the difference of opinions exposed a rift in Key West’s One Human Family. Historic Tours of America President Ed Swift, a past president of the Chamber and in many ways the architect of
June 1 – Hotels reopen
June 5 – Bars reopen
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YEAR IN REVIEW
“The Chamber really was an extended family during the pandemic, never once did we feel as if we were the only vessel in this unpredictable
June 26 – State closes bars again
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COVID Storm” Photo by Che Andre.
Key West’s tourism industry, likened the 2020 roadblock to the one that spawned the Conch Republic nearly 40 years ago, calling the closure of a federal highway “illegal”. On May 12 he organized a protest, pointing out that his operations in St. Augustine and Savannah, Georgia had already reopened. That same week a Key West business filed a lawsuit against Monroe County and, faced with defending an emergency order that outlived the emergency, administrators announced May 17 the roadblock would be removed on June 1, and hotels allowed to reopen at 50% capacity. Over a 65-day period the roadblock turned away nearly 19,000 vehicles. The extensive shutdown allowed lodging establishments ample time to retool operations under a new normal, and the Chamber produced YouTube Channel videos showcasing how local establishments would minimize contact with guests in the name of safety. “The breakfast buffet as we know it is a thing of the past,” said Michael Knowles, general manager of the Double Tree Grand Key Resort and a past president of the Chamber. “Right now we’re going to have a grab and go breakfast and room service will be pre-paid and delivered with a knock and a drop.” Bed and breakfast lodging, a more intimate staple of the Key West tourism scene, was faced with even more direct challenges. “That couple of hours in the morning where we used to have this
— Deejay Halligan, Tropical Vibes
robust, fun time where everybody sat around the buffet and chit chatted that’s going away,” said Sam Holland, a Chamber board member and owner of the Conch House. “But we’re going to make it more of a service-oriented, upscale, delivered to your room experience, while still featuring all the fresh baked goods, fresh fruit and mimosas that you’ve come to expect.” Bars reopened on June 5, but optimism waned later in the month when taps were once again shut off statewide, a mandate that would stretch for 78 days. Meanwhile, the City of Key West nixed all events for the balance of the year, including Fantasy Fest, the first cancellation of the iconic October event since its debut in 1979. Lodging managed to keep the lights on thanks to last minute travelers and a strong drive market. Advance bookings on weekends hovered in the 60% range while weekdays dropped off precipitously until Labor Day signaled a return to familiar holiday traffic. "All small businesses had to make adjustments, but Key West has always embodied the spirit of perseverance,” said Raquel Crummitt, who is the owner and
July 2-5 – City closes beaches for Fourth of July
captain at Fish’ N Chicks Charters Key West. “I made adjustments according to social distancing guidelines and capacity. But like many, we are coming out of this stronger and with more resolve.” Crummitt recently added a captain to her fleet and projects continued growth in 2021. Even with a surge in visitors, Key West maintained a manageable number of COVID cases. But instead of relaxing mask management, the city doubled down. In late September, despite a pair of public protests, commissioners approved an ordinance that levied onerous penalties on businesses that found themselves with a second violation of what was already considered one of the toughest face covering policies in the nation. The city would be able to force a business to close from 24 hours to 30 days. A week later, on September 25, Governor Ron DeSantis moved Florida into the final, Phase III of recovery, lifting occupancy restrictions on all businesses while also preventing local governments from punishing citizens for any COVID rules violations.
September 14 – Bars allowed to reopen at 50%
September 17 – Sloppy Joe’s reopens
YEAR IN REVIEW
Hemingway look-alike Charlie Boice was among those sipping a morning beverage when Sloppy Joe’s reopened after a six-month closure.
FISCAL FALLOUT Meanwhile, the pandemic shutdown had taken a toll on city coffers. Between April and July, sales tax revenues for tourism-related businesses in Monroe County posted four consecutive months of decline, down 58% on average over the previous year. When the Nieuw Statendam left port on March 14 a spigot of millions of dollars in cruise disembarkation fees was suddenly turned off. But a dearth of sales tax revenue and cruise ship passenger fees was only the beginning. The City of Key West is a major landlord of real estate, the value of which hinges on tourism. From the harbor front Conch Republic Seafood Company (Monroe County’s highest grossing restaurant) to charter boats at the city marina, tenants were shuttered for weeks on end, unable to pay rent fees that buoy city budgets when the tourism economy is humming along. Charter boat captains began to lobby for rent abatements and the city was forced to craft a budget void of financial resources that traditionally fund services to which citizens had been accustomed. Finance director Mark Finigan announced in late summer the city budget had come up short by $1.7 million, even with the help of firefighter and police unions that passed on negotiated raises. The city was able to find one-time resources to avoid a tax hike, but the longterm fiscal outlook remains grim.
September 25 – Governor DeSantis moves Florida to Phase III, fully open
Exacerbating the COVID-related losses was a citizen’s-led referendum drive that sought to limit the number of cruise ships calling on Key West. The Chamber Board of Directors reviewed the three referendum and voted to endorse the one that sought to give priority to the most environmentally friendly cruise lines but could not support two initiatives that limited size and capacity. The Chamber’s June General Membership meeting magnified the dilemma where Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin described his carbon-neutral enterprise featuring the most environmentally advanced cruise ship ever built—one that would not be allowed to call on Key West under the size restrictions. In November, however, Key West voters approved the measures by 60 percent or more. But in January, a state senator filed a bill that, if passed, would remove the city's ability to restrict use of local ports. At the very least, most observers believe ships will continue to call on privately held Pier B. The absence of cruise passengers exacerbated pains along the commercial real estate sector of lower Duval. Numerous businesses dependent upon shore traffic closed up shop, including the famed Ripley’s Believe It or Not, leaving “For Rent” signs in the windows of many storefronts in the 100-400 blocks of Duval. “We’ve worked with tenants and rents have been adjusted,” said Will Langley
October 2 – President Trump announces he has COVID 19
of Berkshire Hathaway Knight Gardner Real Estate. In August, incumbent Mayor Teri Johnston won a second term by capturing 60 percent of the primary election vote. Her triumph over a pair of pro-business challengers signaled a desire by many to recalibrate the Key West tourism economy. But the fallout from COVID and cruise ships may prove to be more than the city budget can handle. At the height of the shutdown, the Chamber opened a partnership with CareerSource South Florida, helping Key West businesses recoup funds expended to remain open during the pandemic. Business Intermediary Dorothy Schmida guided almost two dozen businesses through the process, securing more than $70,000 in grant funds for everything from UV lighting at WeBeFit to take-out order materials for Benihana. “The difference between staying in business and not these days is whether or not your customers feel safe coming into your business,” said Dan Reynan of WeBeFit.
November 3 – Voters approve cruise referendums
November 17 – Cow Key Bridge project officially complete
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The Cow Key Bridge repair was a non-factor in 2020 as light visitor traffic helped an ahead-of-schedule finish.
As Christmas approached, vaccines were making their way to the most vulnerable citizens, but mass inoculations would not arrive until spring. Curfew or no curfew, New Year’s could not arrive soon enough. But government help was not enough to sustain the workforce at the island’s most treasured attraction. In late August, Hemingway Home and Gardens owner Mike Morawski was forced to lay off nearly 30 employees. “The number of people we have coming through in a whole day now is the number we’d normally do in an hour and a half,” said Morawski, devastated by the necessary business decision. “These people have been here 10, 15, 25 years. This is a labor-intensive business, with tour guides, maintenance crews, landscapers, special event planners and retail workers.” The longest running holdout during the shutdown sat on the iconic corner of Duval and Greene Streets. Sloppy Joe’s shut its doors following the St. Patty’s Day decree and remained closed even through fits and starts that would have allowed it to reopen. Owners used the shutdown to rid the century-old building of termites, and the sight of a tented Sloppy Joe’s was the only public activity on that corner for a full six months. The number one question of callers to the Chamber of Commerce was whether Sloppy’s was open, and that day finally came on September 17 at 10 a.m.
December 2 – Key West loses it’s beloved Former First Lady Cheryl Cates to Covid-19
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Charlie Boice, who won Sloppy Joe’s Hemingway Look Alike contest in 2015, travelled from his Jupiter home to belly up to the bar on opening day. “It’s kind of given us back some normalcy,” he said, a beverage in hand well before noon. “We all missed being here in July (for Hemingway Days) but I made it down for the new opening.” But the re-opening enthusiasm had evaporated by Thanksgiving. In midNovember, word spread across the city like wildfire that five-time mayor and current County Commissioner Craig Cates, his wife Cheryl and daughter Crystal were infected with COVID and fighting for lives. The trio was transferred to Miami where the former First Lady succumbed on December 2. Two days later, after weeks of fretting over the potential of community spread from a jam-packed New Year’s crowd on Duval Street, Mayor Johnston issued an emergency directive establishing a 10 p.m. curfew for the three-day weekend. As the news was broadcast across the globe, hotel cancellations increased, but re-bookings brought lodging capacity back up to about 80%.
December 4 – Mayor Johnston establishes 10 p.m. curfew over New Year’s weekend
THE SILVER LINING The year of COVID carnage did have an upside. As residents of land-locked hotspots like New York and Chicago sought reprieve from the masses, the sale of Key West real estate soared, especially among out of town cash buyers. John Parce tracks sales for Keller Williams Compass Realty and estimates up to 60% of Old Town owners do not live in Key West full time, “and yet they still see Key West as a valuable place to own real estate,” he says. “Whether it’s a winter getaway or a combination second home investment property, these people focus on how to make money, how to invest money, and people who continue to come down here and do that, they see a great future in Key West real estate.” Finally, and ironically, the Cow Key Channel Bridge, the Big Bad Wolf behind the door of pre-2020, came in and went out like a lamb, finishing ahead of schedule and with minimal inconvenience. If only a non-story would have been “The Story” of 2020, our lives today would look remarkably different. But that’s water… under the bridge.
The Management and Staff at Charley Toppino and Sons, Inc. and Monroe Concrete know very well how important foundations are for Keys roads, bridges and buildings. A good foundation ensures the safety and longevity of every construction project. Likewise too, our entire staff supports the foundation of all of our most important projects: Our Children. We generously contribute to educational initiatives to ensure that our students learn and prosper. PROUD MEMBERS OF THE KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SINCE 1985.
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HR 100 TOPPINO SCHOLARSHIP Divya Navani at the famed statue of John Harvard on the Cambridge campus.
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EDUCATION COMMITTEE BRITTANT SNYDER, CHAIR
DIVYA NAVANI Divya Navani likes to keep promises, and she made good on a big one after receiving the Key West Chamber of Commerce HR 100/Charley P. and Orsolina Toppino Memorial Scholarship in 2020. The $27,500 award, the largest of its kind for a Key West High School senior, has allowed Navani to attend Harvard. “When I was younger I told myself I wouldn’t “Thank you take a penny from my for putting your parents to go to college,” faith in me. Navani says, “even I’m going to do if it meant not going whatever I can immediately, or working do to make you a little bit, or community guys proud.” college or joining the military. My dad worked three jobs and still does, my mom works, so I always promised myself I wouldn’t take their money and that dream is made possible by the Chamber of Commerce and the memorial scholarship.” Navani’s first year coursework has included Calculus II and Intro to Computer Science, where she has made password encryption software, spell-checkers for typing, Instagram/ photo filters, voting/ballot counting software, and more. While Harvard has been delivering coursework online during COVID, first-year students have been allowed on campus in order to acclimate to the hallowed culture. “I really do feel at home being here,” she said via email. “Everyone I’ve met has been so interesting and creative and fun in completely unique ways and it’s been so nice getting to know everyone.”
THE ALPHA
Inaugural scholarship recipient Erica Hughes Sterling in the library of her Key West law firm. Photo by Che Andre.
ERICA HUGHES STERLING
The award is made possible by the generosity of Charley Toppino & Sons Construction, Monroe Concrete and members of the Key West Chamber.
Five years ago, Erica Hughes Sterling saw her named etched into the most iconic law shingle in Key West. Her journey to the rarified air of Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood & Sterling began in 1993 when she graduated from Key West High School as the inaugural recipient of the Chamber’s HR 100 Scholarship. “It meant the world that the business community put its faith in me,” Hughes Sterling says. “It wasn’t a huge amount of money back then ($1,000) but my father was a school teacher so it was a lot to me.”
CURRENT RECIPIENTS 2017 Tessa Eggers University of Virginia 2018 Channing Gaufillet University of Florida 2019 Melody Morales University of Florida 2020 Divya Navani Harvard College
Hughes Sterling applied those modest funds to her studies at the University of Florida, where she would become a three-time Gator. Halfway through a master’s in accounting
she realized life as a CPA wasn’t for her and pivoted to a joint degree in accounting and law. Hughes Sterling was ready to take a job with Ernst & Young as a tax attorney when fate intervened. “My grandfather died in 2000 and I ran into Jack Spottswood at the funeral,” she recalls. “I told him what my plans were, and he said, ‘Let’s talk.’” The rest is history. Hughes Sterling joined the law firm in 2001 and became a named partner in 2015, specializing in transactional law, mostly commercial and residential real estate. “To this day, someone has been watching over me. Jack has been an amazing mentor and I’ve been blessed in so many ways.”
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Ed Swift and Jose Pichardo.
Ed Swift and Leela Sorbelli.
KEY WEST CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIPS Since 2015, The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce has presented the Gerald “Moe” & Marina Mosher Vocational Scholarship. The Mosher’s cared deeply about Key West and its future, and their memory is sustained through a contribution each year from Historic Tours of America. HTA’s Ed Swift presented $2,000 checks to Jose Pichardo, who is pursuing a fire fighter education, and Leela Sorbelli, a nursing student at the College of the Florida Keys.
TOM SAWYER FIVE STAR PROGRAM The late Tom Sawyer, who served his hometown as mayor and president of the Key West Chamber of Commerce, was a champion of community service. Today, the Chamber Foundation sponsors a philanthropic program in his name that fuels the work of our Education Committee. Stars are earned for contributing to one of five areas listed to the right, and every star awarded reflects a commitment to K-12 education by a member of the Chamber. We are pleased to recognize our 2020 stars:
These Members made contributions to the Key West Chamber of Commerce Foundation in support of the following programs: ■ HR100 Charley P. & Orsolina Toppino Memorial Scholarship ($100) see pages 18/19. ■ Educational Enrichment ($100) allows local educators to attend professional development seminars. ■ Teacher Recognition Program ($550) cash or gifts equal to $25 each for 22 outstanding educators. ■ Arts Classroom Sponsorship ($250) cash for educators to enhance their art education. ■ Mentoring A Student One hour per week during the school year in an approved program such as Take Stock in Children. Five, four and three star recipients receive their recognition at the Chamber’s September General Membership Meeting.
FIVE STARS First State Bank of the Florida Keys
Leislany Garcia and Roosvelt Joseph.
The Appelrouth Award recognizes a male and female student who have given back to their community through outstanding civic or volunteer service. The Award is presented by the Key West Chamber of Commerce and named for the late William Appelrouth, a three-time Chamber president and one of Key West’s legendary business leaders. Receiving $1,000 awards each are Leislany Montero and Roosevelt Joseph from the Key West High School Class of 2020. 20
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FOUR STARS Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum Fury Water Adventures Lower Keys Medical Center Wicker Guesthouse Vacation Homes of Key West THREE STARS BB&T/Truist Centennial Bank NEYRA Construction Key West Marriott Beachside Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina
From left: Karen Sharp, First State Bank of the Florida Keys; Paige Bethel and Teo Masters, Vacation Homes of Key West; Alyssa Berger and Max Mungall, Fury Water Adventures; Andrew Morawski, Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum; David Clay, Lower Keys Medical Center; Patty Neyra, Neyra Construction; Andy Griffiths, Captain Andy Griffiths Charters; Alan Beaubien, Key West Marriott Beachside; Diane Schmidt, Margaritaville Key West Resort and Marina; Don Whitehead, Wicker Guest House and Stephanie Scurderi, Centennial Bank.
EDUCATION COMMITTEE DR. BRITTANY SNYDER, CHAIR
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2 Our January honorees included, front, from left: Colleen Blakely (Horace O’Bryant), Alicia Shook (Poinciana Elementary), Nina Kane (Sigsbee Charter), Madalyn Pappadakis (Gerald Adams Elementary). Back, from left: Education Committee Vice Chair Angie Walterson, David Erhard (Key West High School), Joanna Gray (Key West High), Dr. Matthew Semcheski (Horace O’Bryant), Education Committee Member Jennifer Barrios.
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LIFTING UP OUR TEACHERS The Chamber recognizes the important role education plays in supporting a sustainable economy, and each year honors outstanding educators who inspire the next generation of Key West’s workforce. Principals from area schools nominate teachers for recognition, who are then celebrated during one of three Chamber General Membership Meetings. Each educator receives a gift package with a value of nearly $1,000, thanks to the generosity of Chamber Members. Plaques are sponsored by Local Awards & Engraving and teacher meals paid for by Royal Furniture & Design. It’s our way of saying thank you for lifting up our greatest resource.
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COVID forced our summer honorees to miss their luncheon, but gift bags were delivered in person.
October honorees included front, from left: Douglas Helkenn (Sigsbee Charter), Ariela Johnson (Basilica School), Jean M. Galvan (Poinciana Elementary), Lauren Dean (Somerset Island Prep). Back, from left: Committee Chair Dr. Brittany Snyder, Superintendent Theresa Axford, Maureen Elizabeth Cattieu (Gerald Adams Elementary), Dana Ring (Horace O’Bryant), Pat Rech (Key West High School), Committee Vice Chair Angie Walterson.
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1. Katherine Fernandez (Gerald Adams Elementary) 2. Carly Hampton (Basilica School) 3. Karthi Kunasekaren (Children’s Montessori School) 4. Ilinke Royse (Poinciana Elementary) 5. Jaclyn Skafas (Sigsbee Charter School) 6. Walter “Glenn” Grizzard (May Sands Montessori) 7. Stephanie Manaher (Horace O’Bryant) 8. Donna Tedesco (Key West High School)
2020-2021
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Key West’s Hometown Bank Since 1955
KeysBank.com 22
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Member FDIC
0 2 0 2 n i d l o S 920 Eisenhower Drive | 5/5.5 SOLD FOR $2,100,000
512 Catherine St | 3/2 SOLD FOR $1,200,000
1017 Windsor Ln #3 | 2/2.5 SOLD FOR $630,000
1616 Bertha Street #1 | 2/1 SOLD FOR $512,000
812 Simonton St | 3/2 SOLD FOR $1,250,000
1422 South St | 3/3.5 SOLD FOR $1,575,000
908 Trinity Drive #4 | 4/3 SOLD FOR $975,000
1404 Newton St | 2/2 SOLD FOR $849,000
631 United St | 2/2 SOLD FOR $1,065,000
321 Catherine Street | 5/4.5 SOLD FOR $1,450,000
1319 Eliza Street | 3/3 SOLD FOR $1,430,000
1316 Whalton St | 3/3 SOLD FOR $1,900,000
4 Fletchers Lane | 4/3 SOLD FOR $1,150,000
1017 Windsor Ln #2 SOLD FOR $630,000
908 Packer Street | 4/3 SOLD FOR $1,575,000
1033 Sandy’s Way | 4/2.5 SOLD FOR $1,140,000
I have been a member of the chamber for 15 years and have served in several leading roles including: Education Co-chair (2016), President (2017), Executive Committee and Co-chair of Education (2018), Co-chair of Education (2019), President of Chamber (2021).
Suzanne Moore Keller Williams Key West Compass Realty Broker Associate Phone: 305.797.0699
I truly believe in the Chamber and for what it represents. A wonderful organization that is a great resource for local businesses, provides excellent education and networking opportunities. I have made many great connections and friends through the Chamber and I highly recommend business owners to join us as we move forward into 2021.
WORKFORCE HOUSING COMMITTEE MICHAEL MORAWSKI, CHAIR
CHAMBER’S WORKFORCE HOUSING COMMITTEE PUSHES WRECKER’S CAY OVER THE FINISH LINE In the coming days, workers will break ground on a nine-acre site behind Stock Island’s Murray Marine, and in less than two years residents will be moving into the largest workforce housing project seen in the Florida Keys in a half century. But it almost did not happen. It was February 2020, and Integra Investments of Miami was nearing a deadline to green light Wrecker’s Cay, which would feature 280 workforce housing units across every income spectrum. But the project was stalled in front of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners and facing a critical juncture for moving forward. That’s when developer Victor Ballestas met with the Chamber’s Workforce Housing Committee. “The Chamber’s committee gave us an opportunity to clearly explain the benefits of the project for the community and quickly disseminate the information to the community and its stakeholders,” said Ballestas. Victor Ballestas Inspired by the prospects of such a needed resource, the committee recommended the Chamber Board of Directors endorse the project and mobilize support among the commission. Soon after, Directors David Clay, CEO of Lower Keys Medical Center, restauranteur Bill Lay and Workforce Housing Committee Chair Mike Morawski, were travelling to Marathon to speak at a Commission meeting. “This is critical to so many areas of workforce in Key West but especially so in healthcare,” said Clay. “Healthcare in the Keys will be diminished if we don’t create more housing in this category.” 24
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
WRECKER’S CAY Artist's rendering of the Wrecker’s Cay project.
After a motion was made to approve the project, commissioners signed off in a 5-0 vote. “The Chamber’s assistance on Wrecker’s Cay certainly moved the needle for us,” said Ballestas. “We are certainly grateful for their assistance.” Unlike most affordable housing, Integra will not be using low-income housing tax credits and instead will be able to sell development rights for market-rate units to help lower the cost of building the project. “We sort of figured out a way in the Keys to build affordable housing without using tax credits,” Ballestas said. Wrecker’s Cay will have 70 low-income units, 98 medium income units, and 112 moderate income units. One parking space will be included for each of the 430 bedrooms, in addition to scooter and bicycle parking. The project will help fill a major need for affordable and workforce housing in the Keys, which was exacerbated by Hurricane Irma’s destruction of nearly 1,200 homes four years ago. “This housing complex addresses a need that is not being met by the new low-income housing that’s coming online,” said Morawski. “We have teachers and nurses and first responders whose salaries are too high to qualify for units on College Road, and they’re getting squeezed in the middle. Wrecker’s Cay satisfies this acute need and will do so quickly.” Wrecker’s Cay is expected to open in late 2022.
Committee Chair Mike Morawski speaks before the county commission prior to the critical vote.
OTHER WORKFORCE HOUSING Rockland Key Phase 3 of The Quarry is currently under construction and the 57 units should be complete in 2021. The Quarry Phases 1 and 2 are now at 100% occupancy, and when completed, the three phases will total 208 units. Included in the units are 96 very low and low income units with AMI between $31k and $50k, and 112 moderate units with an AMI of $61.8k for a single individual. Gardenview Apartments, College Road Gardenview is expected to feature 103 one-bedroom units consisting of 92 low income tenants (80% AMI) and 11 units rented to extremely low income (25% AMI). Dockside & The Landings Apartments on South Point Drive, Lower Sugarloaf The County Planning Commission in December unanimously approved a major conditional use permit for the 88-unit project.
A KEY WEST FAMILY TRADITION IN FINE FOODS SINCE 1926
PROTECTING OUR KEYS WAY OF LIFE FOR OVER 40 YEARS
DELIVERY & GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE
Proud member of the Key West Chamber of Commerce Since 1972
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608 Whitehead St, Key West 305.294.4585 | horan.law
2020-2021
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ECONOMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE JOE CASO, CHAIR
MODERN ARRIVAL AIRPORT EXPANSION Chamber Director of Research Edward Dawicki listened in on 20+ budget meetings in 2020.
An artist’s rendering of the new departure terminal planned to open at EYW in 2024.
Before Key West became a tourist mecca its international airport featured an open air, ceiling-fanned terminal that could have doubled as a backdrop for the movie Casablanca. Even as post-9/11 protocols modernized the building, Bogey-era remnants like propeller aircraft and tarmac boarding remained a staple of the southernmost outpost. But Monroe County, which operates the facility, has announced the arrival of a sparkling new terminal that will keep pace with the airport’s popularity as a commercial flight destination. 26
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The addition will expand the airport’s departure area from 4,000 to 18,000 square feet, with soaring glass views and jetways. The project, which begins construction in 2022, will be funded through passenger ticket fees, not local sales or property tax. EYW has been one of the fastest to recover from the COVID travel slump and is one of only two Florida airports that will have more seat capacity in 2021 than the previous year. Key West, which has seen passenger counts nearly double since 2009, now has 15 direct flights from major airports.
Traditionally the watchdog of government budgets, the Economic Affairs Committee had its hands full in 2020 as COVID fallout impacted revenues at all levels of government. After keeping tabs on 16 city budget meetings, the full Chamber board sent a letter to commissioners requesting additional cuts before contemplating tax increases. The city agreed, holding taxes to rollback. The committee also reviewed budgets of the Monroe County, Monroe County Schools, Sheriff, Mosquito Control, Keys Energy, Key West Fire Department and FKAA, where challenges were analyzed and solutions offered. In all, eight public entities presented their budgets to the committee. In the wake of a COVID emergency pay snafu at the county, the Chamber unsuccessfully lobbied against a costly emergency pay policy, but the committee will continue to keep tabs on how the policy is managed in the future. The committee also met twice with Monroe County Director of Legislative Affairs Lisa Tennyson to discuss the county’s legislative goals for 2020 and 2021, and Laura DiBella, Executive Director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association, to assist in saving the Key West cruise ship industry. On a positive note, the Chamber endorsed the continuation of a half penny sales tax for use by Monroe County Schools, which voters approved.
INTERNET TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE BILLY SPOTTSWOOD, CHAIR RESTAURANT AND BAR COMMITTEE BILL LAY, CHAIR
Committee Chair Bill Lay became an important voice for restaurant and bar owners in 2020.
The Restaurant and Bar Committee emerged from the sudden shuttering of restaurants and bars in March, establishing a collective voice for the food and beverage community. Owners and managers actively lobbied the city, articulating the business perspective of Covid-19 policy on business and tourism. Monthly guest speakers included the city manager and leaders from the Tourist Development Council. The trusted leadership of chair Bill Lay eventually earned him an assignment on the city’s “Get Back to
Work” committee and the city’s “Health and Business Advisory Committee." The R&B committee also represented the Chamber board’s position on the cruise ship referendum, hosting many informational sessions with stakeholders. When the dust settles on COVID, the R&B committee intends to become an informational resource with speakers and presentations tailored to the unique needs of their industries.
An important product produced by the Chamber is a quarterly business environment survey that helps members understand the marketplace for key segments year over year. Results of the survey are most useful for the tourism sector, though results are segmented for non-tourism entities. In addition to answering direct questions about workforce and revenue, the survey is a leading indicator for predicting success in each upcoming quarter. As COVID took its grip in April, confidence in the 12-month economic outlook was at 27% according to the Q1 survey results. By October, that optimism number had increased to 48%.
The primary responsibility of the IT committee was the design and launch of a new Chamber website, which was achieved midway through 2020. Featuring a web address of keywestchamber.org, the landing page is actually two websites in one: an outward-facing design for potential visitors and then, with a click in the top righthand corner, a totally separate site for members. The site has strong search engine optimization to populate high on searches for Key West. In addition, the Chamber added the ability to receive online payments for all transactions, including annual dues and monthly events.
TOURISM COMMITTEE MELISSA KENDRICK, CHAIR
The labor market has changed little and there is still more demand for quality workers than there is supply. Salaries are lower as a result of current conditions and, in all likelihood, there will be fewer businesses in Key West due to the loss of cruise ships. If cruise lines are unable to call on Key West in the future, attractions will be among the most negatively impacted, followed closely by discretionary retail, which saw a disproportionate number of waterfront businesses close in 2020.
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TOURISM COMMITTEE MELISSA KENDRICK, CHAIR
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE BRITT MYERS, CHAIR
Satisfying members is at the heart of any membership organization and the results of a 2020 survey indicate the Chamber is delivering on this important priority. When asked to rate the importance and satisfaction of their overall experience, Chamber members scored the two questions exactly the same—83%—indicating the organization is meeting expectations to the decimal point. Despite the difficulty imposed by COVID and cruise ships, the Chamber outpaced the previous year in the acquisition of new members, adding 62 on the way to a peak of 500 for the year. The membership committee added new features including an ambassador program to recruit and retain new members, and a ribbon-cutting program to celebrate the launch of new businesses.
Membership chair Britt Myers (center) welcomes Gabel Boyette of CitiStar Mortgage and Casey Arnold of Conch Republic Seafood Company, two of 62 new members who joined the Chamber in 2020.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS... JOIN THE KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TODAY membership@keywestchamber.org | 305-294-2587
Key West Vice Mayor Sam Kaufman holds the ceremonial scissors as the Chamber cut the ribbon for Ft. Lauderdale-based Aztec Airways to begin service to EYW. The ribbon cutting was also seen live on the Chamber’s Facebook page. MARKETING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE LYNNE TEJEDA, CHAIR
Scheduling of speakers and programming for the Chamber’s monthly membership meetings is one of the major responsibilities of this committee, which faced a major challenge when COVID struck in March. But the production hardly skipped a beat. The Chamber quickly pivoted to an online meeting schedule and then hybrid, bringing to members high quality content through-
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
out the year (see page 46). The committee kicked off 2020 with a survey of preferences for the monthly luncheons, which has informed our decision-making. In addition, Marketing and Public Relations oversees social media efforts (see pages 64 and 65) and approved the concept of this magazine as a vehicle to educate the community on the depth and breadth of the Chamber’s impact.
Member communication was a major emphasis during the COVID crisis, and the Chamber utilized an enhanced format for its Chamber Chatter electronic newsletter, including the promotion of numerous webinars that enhanced understanding of available programs and resources.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS GREG SULLIVAN, CHAIR
Left to right: 2020 Chamber president Greg Sullivan, Rt. Reverend Steven Torrence of Metropolitan Church and 2021 Chamber president Suzanne Moore illustrate the size of the gift that fed 80 Key West seniors.
STRATEGIC PLAN MAPS NEXT 18 MONTHS The Chamber hired local facilitator Elisa Levy to help author its Strategic Plan. All members were surveyed about challenges and goals prior to the November retreat and Levy also interviewed several members of the board to elicit their opinions. At the retreat, the 2021 board spent a full day working on the plan that will guide the organization’s work over the next 18 months. The board began the exercise by establishing a new mission statement: “Elevating our community through a viable business economy”, and then identified six strategic imperatives:
1. Reputation Management & Awareness
SOMETHING FOR SENIORS During the Christmas season the Key West Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Metropolitan Community Church’s “Cooking with Love” program to gift 80 seniors with groceries and treats for the holidays. Delivery took place on Saturday, December 26th and was made possible through the generosity of Chamber members who donated over $5,800. Delivery of the food took place on Saturday, December 26.
RESOLUTE The Chamber took time to recognize two distinguished members of our community who bowed out of public service in 2020. Mark Porter retired as Superintendent of Monroe County Schools, but not before helping move the district into the state’s top 15 over his eight-year reign. Meanwhile, during the same period of time, Holly Raschein distinguished herself as one of the most effective state representatives in Tallahassee, bringing more than $278 million to Monroe County. After winning election four times, Raschein was term limited.
Johnny Hernandez and Rev. Steve Torrence at Metropolitan Community Church serve up meals for seniors that were funded by the Chamber of Commerce.
2. Strengthening City Partnerships 3. Supporting Local Businesses 4. Increased Membership 5. Increased Marketing & Visibility for Members 6. Advocacy for Business Operations, Vitality & Prosperity These imperatives will be assigned to Chamber committees to ensure completion of work.
Holly Raschein, the Keys' former state legislator, endorsed Jim Mooney's successful campaign for his state bid.
2020-2021
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“The year 2020 will go down as one of the most difficult in history, but on this day we are reminded of all the good that takes place in our community, especially when the chips are down.” — Greg Sullivan 2020 Chamber President
CHAMBER AWARDS The Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce celebrated business leaders and public servants in December when the organization celebrated the City of Key West’s 2020 Employee of the Year, Police Officer of the Year and Firefighter of the Year. In addition, the Chamber handed out a pair of Venture Awards for bold investment in new business enterprises that exemplify the entrepreneurial spirit of Key West, Business for Beauty Awards for significant capital improvements or extensive renovation that contributed to the overall attractiveness of Key West, and six Key West Star Awards to individuals who went above and beyond volunteering their time to either the Chamber or other community organizations to make Key West a better place to live. The City awards are nominated within their respective divisions and presented each December during the Chamber’s Awards luncheon.
OFFICER OF THE YEAR Gabriella Kouri
FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR Robert Franco
CITY EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR Elke Rockteschel
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Gabriella Kouri and Greg Sullivan.
Capt. Chris Saunders, Franco and Fire Chief Alan Averette present Franco with his Firefighter of the Year Award.
Ports Director Doug Bradshaw, Elke Rockteschel and Greg Sullivan.
ANNUAL AWARDS
VENTURE AWARDS Mile 0 Fest Rams Head
KEY WEST STARS Community Wins Campaign
Venture Award: Mile 0 Fest, Kyle Carter and Greg Sullivan.
Mike Forster Bill Lay Roxanne Posada We Be Fit Daylin Starks
BUSINESS FOR BEAUTY AWARDS Barbary Beach House Venture Award: Rams Head, Bill Muehlhauser, Kelly Norman and Greg Sullivan.
Gulf Atlantic Bank Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
Key West Star: Commissioner Mike Forster and Greg Sullivan.
Kimpton Hotels Old Town Café Reach Resort
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION AWARD Casa Marina Resort
Business for Beauty Award: Gulf Atlantic Bank, Peter Batty, Jeff Searcy, Shane Briening and Greg Sullivan.
Business for Beauty Award: Barbary Beach House, Milos Davidovic and Greg Sullivan.
ATHENA AWARD In January 2020 Lazy Dogs water sports owner Sue Cooper received the Chamber’s nationally affiliated Athena Award recognizing the achievements of professional women, sponsored by Jack Niles of Niles Sales and Service of the Florida Keys.
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MILITARY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE ABE CONN, 2020 MAC PRESIDENT
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1. 2020 MAC President Abe Conn, retired Army Col., and MAC Executive Board Member Ron Demes (center) presented Honorary Conch Certificates to Maj. James Blackburn, SWUWO Commander (left) and CWO4 Bobby Stringer from the Special Forces Underwater Operations School (right) for their dedication and service while stationed in Key West.
MILITARY AFFAIRS The Military Affairs Committee of Key West (MAC) first met in 1966 at the Holiday Inn (site of present Marriott Beachside). Twenty-five Charter Members, all members of the Key West Chamber of Commerce, formed the MAC as a part of the Chamber. Their singular purpose was to strengthen the bonds between the civilian and military populations, a mission that thrives to this day. Though COVID limited the number of in-person meetings, MAC continued to raise funds for local military activities and recognize outstanding service members.
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2. AT1 Michael Buchholz (center) was selected Naval Air Station Key West Military Volunteer of the Year, and congratulated by Commanding Officer Capt. Mark Sohaney (left) and 2020 MAC President Abe Conn, retired Army Col. (right). 3. OS1 Dakota Ballard (center) was named Military Volunteer of the Year for Joint Interagency Task Force (JIATF) South, and congratulated by Senior Chief Murillo (left) and SMSgt Jorge Gonzalez (right). 4. Volunteer of the Year award winners, front l-r include CW4 Robert Stringer (Special Forces Underwater Operations School), OS2 Matthew Merriman (Coast Guard Sector Key West), OS1 Dakota Ballard (JIATF-South) and AT1 Michael Buchholz (NAS Key West). Standing, back row: retired Navy Capt. Pat Lefere and retired Army Col. and 2020 MAC President Abe Conn.
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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KEY WEST BY THE NUMBERS DEMOGRAPHICS
HOUSING 4 4 4
.5%
40
BY RACE
W WH H II T TE E 6 61 1% % WHITE W H I6T1 E %
%
38
MEDIAN VALUE OWNER OCCUPIED: $578,100
KEYKEY KEY WEST WEST WEST
22.6%
13.4%
OTHER 2.6%
BY AGE
0-19
21.5% 20-34 20-34 21.5%
18% 0-19 0-19 18%
0-19
35-44
21.5% 22% 0-19 0-19 22%
20-34
0-19
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau.
22%
17.4% 35-44 35-44 17.4%
20-34
0-19
18% FLORIDA FLORIDA FLORIDA
KEY WEST
H OT H II S S PA PA N N II C C B BL LA AC CK K O TH HE ER R 2 1 2 22 2 .. 6 6% % 13 3 .. 4 4% % 2 .. 6 6% % H I S PA N I C B L A C K O T H E R C 2B. 6L%A C K 2 2 . 6H %I S PA 1 3N . 4I%
61%
BY Y A AG GE E B
FLORIDA
%
56
B BY Y R RA AC CE E
BY RACE
BY AGE
4
35-44
18.8% 20-34 20-34 18.8%
12.1% 35-44 35-44 12.1%
20-34
35-44
18.8%
12.1%
20-34
35-44
13.9% 45-54
13.5% 55-64 55-64 13.5%
12.6% 45-54 45-54 12.6%
55-64
45-54
12.6% 45-54
5% 75+ 75+ 5%
65-74
55-64
45-54
17.4%
10% 65-74 65-74 10%
13.8% 55-64 55-64 13.8%
13.9% 45-54 45-54 13.9%
10%
13.8% 55-64
11.5% 65-74 65-74 11.5% 65-74
13.5% 55-64
MEDIAN MORTGAGE $2,802
75+
65-74
6.8% 75+ 75+ 6.8%
5% 75+
75+
11.5% 65-74
HO ME ST R EA OC EN D CU TER O P OC WN IED CU ER PIE D
SOURCE: Monroe County Property Appraiser.
6.8% 75+
POPULATION
2
24,118
PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS 4,075 MILITARY + DEPENDENTS 15,290 EMPLOYED 15,678 PO
Median household income $67,712
Population per square mile 4,411
Democrat 7,102 Republican 3,895 Other 4,052
PU
LA TIO
N
SOURCES: U.S. Department of Labor; Monroe County Supervisor of Elections; Monroe County Schools; Department of Defense; U.S. Census Bureau.
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEDIAN RENT $1,793
TOURISM
1
TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION
VISITOR SPENDING
$43,000,000 $43,000,000 4% 4%
MONROE COUNTY EMPLOYERS BY INDUSTRY 1
LODGING UNITS B&B
Educational services 4% Construction 6%
B&B
765 / 10% 765 / 10%
RECREATION RECREATION RETAIL RETAIL
LODGING LODGING
FOOD &FOOD & BEVERAGE BEVERAGE
Accommodations and Food Service 17%
Health Care and Social Assistance 8%
$145,000,000 $145,000,000 13% 13%
$98,000,000 $98,000,000 9% 9%
Professional Scientific 5%
$551,000,000 $551,000,000 51% 51%
Management of Companies and Enterprises 10%
TRANSIENT TRANSIENT RENTALS RENTALS
HOTELS,HOTELS, MOTELS, MOTELS, TIMESHARES TIMESHARES
2,114 / 29% 2,114 / 29%
Retail 11%
4,543 / 61% 4,543 / 61%
All other 40%
$246,000,000 $246,000,000 23% 23%
Sources: Rockport Analytics & City of Key West.
EYW SEAT CAPACITY YEAR-OVER-YEAR SEAT CAPACITY AT KEY WEST HAS TRENDED HIGHER THAN THE U.S. AVERAGE THROUGHOUTTotal 2020 Key West U.S. Key West
Key West
40%
-51.5%
-56.1%
-48.8% -43.7%
-56.1% -52.1%
-48.1%
-43.7% -51.5%
-48.1% -40.8%
-40.6% -51.5%
-68.8%
N
2020 Monroe County Taxable Sales
WHEN COMPARED TO WHEN COMPARED TO2019 2019 15 0
FEB
MAR
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
AUG
JULY
SEPT
-30 -45 -60
0
2
-55% 4
6
8
2020-2021
35
D
ec
e
r
r be
em be ov N
ct o O
ov em Aug be us t r D S ec e p em te be mb r er
ly Ju er
-75.8% -69.2%
MONROE COUNTY TAXABLE SALES
JAN
-48.8%
-75.8% -69.2%
6
-15
-40.
-40.8% -52.1% -48.8%
ob
M arJ cuhl y
-15.8%
-15.8%
-40.6%
-40.8%
ct
-31.0% -48.1%
-80%
br J uaun ry e
-13.4%
-15.3%
-68.8%
Fe
Ja
nu M ar a yy
il pr A
ry
ar ch M
ua Fe br
ua ry
-15.8%
ne
-52.1% -60%
-80%
Ja n
-13.4%
-31.0%
-40%
-68.8% -75.8% -69.2%
-80%
-15.3%
-13.4%
-4.5% -15.3%
O
-60%
-4.5% -4.5%
-20%
Ju
-43.7%
-56.1%
21.
21.5%
-2.1%
r
-40%
-2.1%
15.4% 0%
be
-60%
-31.0%
24.2%
21.5%
em
-40%
-20%
24.2%
Se pt
-20%
5.7%
3.0% 0%
15.4%
DAu ec g emus Ma bte y r
-2.1%
0%
5.7%
ov Ju A em ly pr be il r
5.7%
Scheduled Seats Each Way
3.0%
15.4%
24.2% 3.0%
N
20%
34.2%
20%
O Ju M ct n a obe rc er h
20%
Scheduled Seats Each Way
33.8% 34.2%
33.8%
AApJan ugr u uils ar t y
34.2%
Scheduled Seats Each Way
33.8%
Se F pt Maeb em y ru be ary r
40%
Total U.S.
Total U.S.
40%
REMEMBERED
HE POINTED US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION Charles “Sonny” McCoy, who shepherded Key West through the naval base closure and into a new era of tourism, well understood the importance of timing— even in death. His passing on September 10, 2020 at the age of 92, marked the 42nd anniversary of the day he water skied from Key West to Cuba, a feat that rained global attention on the Mayor and his island home. McCoy was born on Bahama Street in Key West but never finished high school, dropping out of his senior year to join the military. After seeing the world as an aviator, he enrolled at the University of Florida where he needed only three years to complete a six-year, dual degree in architecture and engineering. McCoy then returned to Key West and began to leave his mark—literally as designer of many buildings, including the U.S. Post Office on Simonton Street, and figuratively as a five-time Mayor who inherited a fiscal nightmare when the U.S. Navy Base pulled out of town in 1972. “When he came into the mayorship the bottom dropped out,” said former Chamber president Ed Swift. “The town lost thousands of people between civil service and government jobs. Sonny said , ‘All we have are fish and weather. Our only path is tourism. There’s no other way to make money for the working people. If you have a tourist economy, it will go on forever.’” With much of Duval Street boarded up, McCoy found grant money to reinvent the iconic stretch. According to a 1977 Washington Post article:
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CHARLES “SONNY” MCCOY 1928-2020 In 2003, Sonny McCoy commemorated the 25th anniversary of his Cuba ski trip with a downtown spin behind the Conch Tour Train. Photo courtesy of Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau.
“Two years ago Mayor Charles (Sonny) McCoy launched a renovation program called ‘Downtown ‘76,’ with the help of some local bootstrap-pulling and federal money. Abandoned or failing businesses along Duval Street, the main drag of the Old Town, were brought up. New streetlights were put in. Trees were planted. And people started buying and restoring those great old houses that give Key West the charm and character so disastrously lacking in the rest of Florida.” McCoy received an award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for his role in revitalizing downtown, which kicked off Key West’s destiny as a tourist destination. Later, he
was elected to the Monroe County Commission, leading the charge for a new $31 million airport terminal that was named in his honor. ‘He was a promoter,” said Monroe County Commissioner Cates, himself a former five-time Mayor of Key West. “Just think if he’d had the internet back then or Facebook. Skiing to Cuba — he was quite the character, in a good way.” That six-hour trip across the Gulf Stream on a single ski is the enduring memory of McCoy. “If I had fallen down,” he once said, “I would never have gotten up again.”
CHANGING LIVES ONE SMILE AT A TIME! From left to right: Dr. Hector Guzman D.D.S, Dr. David McDonald D.M.D Dr. Natalia Vazquez-Marrero D.M.D and Dr. Oscar Rodriguez D.M.D
Located at 2758 N. Roosevelt Blvd. (in the Overseas Market) • Key West, FL 33040 Phone 305.294.9914 • Fax 305.295.9691 • doc@docguzman.com • www.docguzman.com
Powering Paradise Since 1943
KeysEnergy.com 2020-2021
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10 QUESTIONS Last August, Teri Johnston won a second, two-year term as Key West Mayor with almost 60 percent of the vote. Now comes the hard part—governing in the wake of a COVID and cruise ship-induced financial shortfall that threatens every aspect of life in the Southernmost City. The Chamber sat down with Mayor Johnston to pose Ten Questions.
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
1. COVID and the cruise ship issue seem to have splintered Key West’s “One Human Family.” What can be done to repair it? A very similar splintering occurred in 2013 when a citizen vote was requested to widen our channel to allow for larger cruise ships. Cruise ship discussions in Key West bring out an intense “quality of life” response by the majority of our voting residents. Hopefully now that the election is on the other side of us, a vaccine is imminent and our economy continues to improve, we can move forward as a united Key West to face the issues of 2021 together. 2. What is the future of Duval street? I see it continuing to be the anchor of our commercial corridor albeit with a substantial face lift and flood/drainage mitigation. Duval will be complimented by a cohesive, connected, repurposed Mallory Square, Clinton Square, accessible Truman Waterfront, vibrant Bahama Village economic corridor and finally our historic Key West Bight seaport. 3. What proactive steps can the city take to build resiliency for sea level rise? We initiated a successful voter referendum to give homeowners the opportunity to raise their homes up to 4’ above base flood elevation. We are restricting improvements to homes now in the flood plane to 50% of the existing home value to encourage elevating properties. Our Utilities department continues to have millions of dollars of ongoing projects including Bertha, Dennis, Jose Marti and Ashby to move standing water caused by sea level rise and high tides off our streets. We have been installing one-way tidal backflow valves throughout the city.
4. What can be done about food insecurity in Key West? Much has already been accomplished with the help of Key West Recovers working cohesively with our non-profits and the City of Key West. Immediately when the pandemic took hold in Key West, the City donated $165,000 in support of the SOS, FKOC and other non-profits. Subsequently, the KW Recovers group helped identify $310,000 from the 2nd round of CARES funding distribution. The Recovers group worked with the Monroe County School System with the help of Keys Energy to provide back packs filled with food to carry our students through weekends and holidays. 5. How will COVID and the cruise ship vote impact future budgets? The City built and adopted a budget which anticipated revenue shortfalls in 2021. We accomplished this by freezing 35 positions, deferring raises for all employees and making prudent transfers from our Key West Bight and our insurance funds. Sales tax receipts and parking revenue have been stronger than what was factored into our budget and our City tenants are showing strong and recovering gross sales numbers. These promising trends are sustainable only if we provide a safe environment—one that our tourists are inclined to continue to visit. Any discussion regarding our 2022 budget is academic until such time that our County is clear of the Covid pandemic. 6. What is your view of the role of tourism in Key West, now and in the future? Tourism will continue to be our economic driver although it will require some changes to endure. We have now had nine months with international travelers and cruise ship disembarkations absent from our revenue stream, yet our sales tax revenue indicates that we are rapidly recovering and sustaining. We are adapting, changing our business models and working with the hand that has been dealt us.
7. What solutions would you support to curb illegal transient rentals? I support additional Code officers added to the 2020/21 budget assigned to transient rentals and increasing the financial penalties to actually deter repeat offenders. 8. What role can the military play in our affordable housing challenge? We need the 167 homes demolished post Wilma to be rebuilt for use by their personnel currently renting units in our community. We need to work closely with Captain Sohaney and all future base commanders to solve the existing security concerns and consider building on the vacant acres at Sigsbee. 9. How will the budget crunch impact the schedule of overdue infrastructure repair of roads? The City of Key West actually carried over $2 million of road repair funds from our 19/20 budget which will be utilized to keep us on schedule for all of our current road improvement projects. 10. Other than those listed above, what will be the top issues for Key West in the next 18 months? Community health including universal COVID vaccinations for residents and visitors to Key West; Getting our locals back to work earning a sustainable wage; Strategic Planning to prioritize and fund our most pressing community issues; Economic and social equality; Quality of Life issues like a clean, well-maintained Key West.
2020-2021
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS Remember pre-COVID events? Most of these pictures were taken before the pandemic took hold in Key West. 2
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COVID put a crimp in the monthly tradition of the Chamber’s Business After Hours but we managed to stage a handful of events, including one on March 4, 2020 at the Key West location of Insurance Office of America where the Chamber hosted a headshot happy hour, providing complimentary business portraits for members.
1. Yvette Talbott and John Toppino are all smiles at the start of 2020; 2. Piper Smith and Chris Belland, Historic Tours of America, Greg Sullivan, Waste Management and Javier Garrido, Key West Vacation Homes; 3. Photographer Karrie Porter Bond works with optometrist Dr. Dedra Ling from Key West Optical, which produced a polished portrait for her use; 4. Steven and Letisia Powell, Fiberglass Shop of Key West and Rebecca and Dr. Hector Guzman, Hector Guzman Dental Office; 5. Patty Neyra celebrates a door prize victory at the Stock Island Yacht Club — pre COVID;
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
AFTER HOURS
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6. Tom McKechnie and Gabel Boyette McKechnie, T.E.M. Environmental & Mechanical Services, Corp; 7. Joe Caso of Caso & Co., John Bartelmo of OMI and past president of the Chamber, John Parks; 8. Danielle Occhiuto, Vacasa, Mark Todaro, Centennial Bank, Joyce Benavides, Cayo Hueso Resorts, Christopher Occhiuto, All Island Inspections, LLC, Chrissy Gallagher, Key West Silverliners and Chris Griffith, Right Sized Resources; 9. Pirate Radio’s Kim Works, Jack Smith and Lori and Brian Patrick; 10. Joe Schroeder, his partner Brice Cook and John Giuliano from the Bourbon Street Pub.
2020-2021
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www.wevegotthekeys.com nadene@wevegotthekeys.com 305.295.9112 Member of the Key West Chamber since 2004
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Ksusha Anferova was promoted to Front Desk Manager at Coconut Beach Resort. Thomas Anglin celebrated 15 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Daunte Aguilar was named Underwriter I for First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Michele Andree joined Southernmost Insurance Agency as Commercial Lines Account Executive.
Heather Arencibia, Human Resources Supervisor for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 30 years of service. Thomas Arroyo celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Marine Services.
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Angelina Ashler was promoted to ICU Director at Lower Keys Medical Center. Theresa Axford was named Superintendent of Monroe County Schools.
Beata Bahri celebrated her 15th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Marina Banciu was promoted to Front Office Manager at Marriott Beachside Eleanor Barker celebrated 30 years of service as an Administrative Coordinator for the Key West Police Department.
Debbie Barnett, Accounting Representative for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 20 years of service.
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bill Becker retired after 40 years as the voice of news in the Florida Keys on US 1 Radio 104.1 FM and the US 1 Radio News Network. Keaton Belasik was named Accountant II at First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Carly Bervaldi was promoted to RN Charge Nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center. Ashlyn Bierman was promoted to CT Technologist at Lower Keys Medical Center. Sergeant Frank Blasberg celebrated 30 years of service with the Key West Police Department. Jayson Blaylock was promoted to Maintenance Engineer at Lower Keys Medical Center.
Eric Brown, Tree Trimmer for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 10 years of service. Captain Michael Budde celebrated 30 years of service with the Key West Fire Department.
Tina Carr celebrated her 45th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Mia Castillo celebrated her 15th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. John Paul Castro celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Utilities. Martha Castro celebrated her 10th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Craig Cates was elected as a Monroe County Commissioner.
Kristi Chaustit celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Jean Cidelus celebrated 10 years of service with City of Key West Parking Services. Jean Cine celebrated 15 years of service with City of Key West Parking Services. Veronica Cleare celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Building Services. Jorge Colina celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Transit Services. Mindy Conn was reelected as a member of the Monroe County School Board. Jill Cranney-Gage was reelected to the Monroe County Mosquito Control Board. Kit Crowl celebrated 40 years with Sloppy Joe’s in May. Onay Cruz celebrated 15 years of service with City of Key West Fleet Services. Fran Cierniak, RN was named Rural Health Network of Monroe County Employee of the Month for November.
Fred Culpepper, Director of Transmission & Distribution for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 30 years of service.
Danielle Dale celebrated her 20th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Jeffrey Dean celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department.
Diane Eliopoulos was promoted from Director of Business Development to Vice President at NEYRA Construction. Neil Ellerbee was promoted to Director of Nutrition Services at Lower Keys Medical Center.
John Fallon celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Fleet Services. Salvador Farina celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Parking Services. Maria Ferris was promoted to Registered Nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center. Nicole Fisher was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer at Lower Keys Medical Center. Martha Fitch celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Parking Services. Mike Forster was elected as a Monroe County Commissioner.
Luis Garcia was reelected as Monroe County Circuit Judge. Jim Gibson was appointed Agency Manager for Southernmost Insurance Agency. Adriana Gomez celebrated 15 years of service with City of Key West Transit Services.
Ryan Gomez, an Apprentice Lineman in the Transmission & Distribution department, was named Keys Energy Services 2020 Employee of the First Quarter. Olga Gonzalez was named Digital Banking Customer Service Representative for First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Joyce Griffin was reelected as Monroe County Supervisor of Elections. Andy Griffiths was reelected as a member of the Monroe County School Board.
Kerry Hadas celebrated her 30th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. David Hadas celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Parking Services.
Sabrina Hall, Customer Services Supervisor for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 20 years of service. Bonnie Helms was reelected as Monroe County Circuit Judge. Jerry Henderson celebrated 25 years with Sloppy Joe’s in February. Frannie Herrin, Ed.D. was named Executive Director of Teaching and Learning for Monroe County Schools. Tracy Howanitz celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Community Services. Danny and Maura Hughes accepted the 2020 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award on behalf of Two Friends Patio Restaurant. Claire Hurd celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Legal Department.
Rose Johnson celebrated her 15th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Teri Johnson was reelected as Mayor of Key West. Deanna Jones celebrated her 10th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys.
2020-2021
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Mark Jones was reelected as Monroe County Circuit Judge.
Keys Energy Services (KEYS) has once again earned a Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) designation from the American Public Power Association for providing reliable and safe electric service. KEYS joins 275 public power utilities nationwide that hold the RP3 designation. Michael Kielman celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Fire Department.
Pat Labrada was elected to the Key West Utility Board. Julie LaMattina celebrated 30 years with Sloppy Joe’s in August.
Will Langley, Broker of Berkshire Hathaway of the Florida Keys was honored by the Key West Association of Realtors as the Realtor of the Year.
Kevin Madok was reelected as Monroe County Clerk of the Court.
Eddie Martinez was elected as a Monroe County Commissioner. Tony McDowell celebrated 20 years of service with City of Key West Community Services. Lori Menendez was named Assistant Vice President, Digital Channels Project Manager for First State Bank of the Florida Keys while also celebrating her 20th anniversary with the bank.
Herschell Major, Journeyman Lineman for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 15 years of service. Bonnie Malinovsky celebrated 35 years with Sloppy Joe’s in December. Jim Marquardt celebrated 10 years as General Manager of The Gardens Hotel.
Harold Knowles, Supervisor of Transmission & Distribution Substations for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 30 years of service. James Knowles celebrated 20 years of service with City of Key West Fleet Services. Beverly Kohl celebrated 25 years with Sloppy Joe’s in December. Sean Krikorian was named as co-manager of marketing and special event team for the 75' luxury catamaran SV Argo Navis.
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Greg Ledbetter, the Substation Electrical Leader in the Transmission & Distribution department, was named Keys Energy Services 2020 Employee of the Fourth Quarter. Robert Lockwood was reelected as Monroe County Public Defender. Clayton Lopez was reelected as a Key West City Commissioner. Chadic Lyonel celebrated 20 years with Sloppy Joe’s in October.
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Kelly Marshall celebrating 20 years with Hard Rock International, currently General Manager at Hard Rock Cafe Key West. Virgina Matea was promoted to Supervisor of Behavioral Health at Lower Keys Medical Center. Ashley Matejka was named Director of Physician Outreach at Lower Keys Medical Center.
Bobby Mesa, Storekeeper for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 15 years of service. Kate Miano accepted the 2020 TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award on behalf of The Gardens Hotel. Thomesha Millian celebrated her 20th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Lisbey Mira celebrated her 25th anniversary with First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Tiffany Mitchell celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Michael Monroe was named Vice President, Portfolio Manager for First State Bank of the Florida Keys while also celebrating his 15th anniversary with the bank.
Robert Monseglio was promoted to Reservations Manager at Marriott Beachside Ramon Mosqueda was named Director of Environmental Services at Lower Keys Medical Center. Jim Mooney was elected as State Representative, District 120. James Murphy celebrated 20 years of service with City of Key West Community Services.
Lisa Noss was named Director of Human Resources at Lower Keys Medical Center.
Alice Parker celebrated 15 years of service with City of Key West Human Resources. Jennie Parker celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Parking Services. Yaselin Perez-Rodriguez was named Commercial Loan Business Analyst at First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Captain Jacob Perry celebrated 25 years of service with the Key West Fire Department.
Denise Richardson celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Trenton Richardson celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Community Services. Chris Rivett was named Assistant Vice President, Residential Lending Manager for First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Vivian Roberts, CCC was named Rural Health Network of Monroe County Employee of the month for October.
Carla Quintana was promoted to Lead Registrar at Lower Keys Medical Center.
Griff Niekerk, the Operator/Maintainer Leader in the Generation department, was named Keys Energy Services 2020 Employee of the Second Quarter.
Catherine Nix, Customer Service Representative 3 for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 30 years of service.
Rick Ramsey was reelected as Monroe County Sheriff.
Mark Ratcliff was named General Manager of La Concha Key West. Paul Reed was named Loan Administration Officer for First State Bank of the Florida Keys.
Jimmy Robinson, an Engineering Field Representative in the Engineering & Control Department, was named Keys Energy Services 2020 Employee of the Third Quarter. Alyssa Rodriguez was promoted to Registered Nurse at Lower Keys Medical Center. Ana Maria Rodriguez was elected as State Senator for District 39. Tim Root was reelected as a member of the Key West Utility Board. Harry Russell was named Executive Director for Personnel Support and Instructional Leadership for Monroe County Schools.
Scott Russell was reelected as Monroe County Property Appraiser.
Captain Christopher Saunders celebrated 25 years of service with the Key West Fire Department. Scott Saunders, President and CEO of the Fury, was honored by the University of Central Florida's Alumni Hall of Fame as a recipient of its Entrepreneurial Award. Molly Sawyer celebrated 20 years of service with City of Key West Fire Department. Darnell Sealey celebrated 15 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Fred Sellers celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. David Sermak celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Finance Department. Mark Siracuse celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Randy Smith celebrated 15 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Jill Snodgrass was named as co-manager of marketing and special event team for the 75' luxury catamaran SV Argo Navis. Philip Spottswood was promoted to F&B Assistant Director at Tavern N Town & Chicken Walk at Marriott Beachside. Sam Steele was elected as Monroe County Tax Collector.
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Thomas Stutz celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Bernardo Suarez celebrated 15 years of service with City of Key West Community Services.
Troy Talpas, General Manager, accepted the following awards for The Perry Hotel Key West and Stock Island Marina Village: - Travel + Leisure’s 2020 World’s Best Awards for Top 15 Resort Hotels in Florida (#11) - 2020 Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards – Best Hotels, Florida (#5) - Hotels.com ‘Loved by Guests’ Award - 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (The Perry Hotel Key West) - 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (Matt’s Stock Island Kitchen & Bar) - 2020 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award (Salty Oyster Dockside Bar & Grill) - Keys Weekly Bubbas Award for Key West’s Best Marina - Marina Dock Age’s Marina of the Year – Large Marina
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Joe Tripp celebrated 10 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department. Mary Turner, ARNP was named Rural Health Network of Monroe County Employee of the Month for September.
Jordan Upchurch was hired as Front Desk Supervisor at Marriott Beachside Lynne Tejeda, General Manager and CEO of Keys Energy Services, was re-elected Vice Chair of the Florida Municipal Power Agency’s Board of Directors. Richard Thomas celebrated 15 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department.
Julio J. Torrado, Director of Human Resources & Communications for Keys Energy Services, was honored by the American Public Power Association (APPA) as a recipient of the Harold Kramer-John Preston Personal Service Award for his service and substantial contributions to the APPA. Captain J.R. Torres celebrated 25 years of service with the Key West Police Department.
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Greg Veliz celebrated 15 years of service with the City of Key West.
Nick Wahrer was named Assistant Treasury Officer for First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Angie Walterson was named Vice President, Marketing Manager for First State Bank of the Florida Keys. Billy Wardlow was reelected as a Key West City Commissioner. Dennis Ward was reelected as Monroe County State Attorney. Dennis Wardlow celebrated 20 years with Spottswood Companies. Jimmy Weekley was reelected as a Key West City Commissioner. Wesley House Family Services Team is recognized for their extraordinary work done during the pandemic providing childcare and assisting families throughout Monroe County. Jean Willy celebrated 15 years of service with the City of Key West Transit Department.
Jim Wilson, President and Co-Owner of Appraisal Company of Key West received his designation of Member Appraisal Institute (MAI) this year. Mark Wilson was reelected as a Monroe County Judge. Candy Wolliston, DA was named Rural Health Network of Monroe County Employee of the month for August.
Angie Yanes celebrated 15 years of service with the City of Key West Police Department.
Erica Zarate, Director of Customer Services for Keys Energy Services, celebrated 15 years of service.
MORTGAGE
We make it simple. You make it home.
Centennial Mortgage welcomes our newest Mortgage Loan Officer to the team to help with your mortgage needs.
James G. Papagno Senior Mortgage Loan Originator Centennial Bank NMLS # 461234 561-479-6355
jpapagno@my100bank.com
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510 Greene St., 1st Floor Key West, Florida 33040 305.294.2587 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Monday-Friday 8am -5:30pm Saturday & Sunday 9am-5:30pm www.keywestchamber.org info@keywestchamber.org www.fla-keys.com MAPS, LODGING, DINING/ENTERTAINMENT, ATTRACTIONS/THINGS TO DO/WATER RECREATION
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTANTS Appelrouth, Farah & Company 305-444-0999 www.appelrouth.com Cusack & Co CPA’s 518-786-3550 www.cusackcpas.com Niles. Kight & Company, PLLC 305-294-6606 www.nileskightcpa.comq Oropeza & Parks, CPA’s 305- 294-1049 www.oropeza-parks.com Pribramsky & Company, CPA 305-294-8137 www.pribramskycpa.com Robert E. Clark, LLC 305-363-5429 www.robertclark-cpa.com ADVERTISING AGENCIES Backyards of Key West 305-905-3388 www.backyardsofkeywest.com Tinsley Advertising & Marketing, Inc. 305-856-6060 www.tinsley.com ADVERTISING DIRECTORIES/GUIDES DESTINATION Florida Keys & Key West 305-304-2100 www.DestinationFloridaKeys.com
Key West Finest 305-296-0555 www.keywestfinest.com Our Keys Magazine 305-295-6376 www.our-keys.com SEE Magazines 800-683-0010 www.milespartnership.com ADVERTISING SPECIALITIES/PRODUCTS Brown and Bigelow 305-414-8949 www.brownandbigelow.com AIR CONDITIONING SALES./SERVICE Debon Air Mechanical 305-744-0123 www.debonairac.com T.E.M. Environmental & Mechanical Services, Corp. 305-414-8290 www.temenviromech.com Total Temperature Control, Inc. 305-296-7634 www.totaltemp.net AIR SERVICE -PRIVATE Signature Flight Support 305-296-5422 www.landmarkaviation.com AIRLINES Aztec Airways 954-351-9313 www.aztecairways.com
Great Locations 305-896-4934 www.greatlocations.com
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KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ALARM/SECURITY SERVICES Barnes Alarm Systems 305- 294-6753 www.barnesalarmsystems.com ANIMAL SHELTER & WELFARE Florida Keys SPCA 305-294-4857 www.fkspca.org APARTMENTS Sunset Marina Apartments 305-780-7176 www.sunsetmarinaapartments. com The Quarry 305-296-1424 www.quarrykeywest.com APPLIANCE STORES/REPAIR Kolhage’s Appliance 305-294-0090 www.kolhages.com APPRAISERS Appraisal Company of Key West 305-296-4563 www.fla-keysappraisals.com Appraisers of the Keys 305-296-0831 www.appraisersofthekeys.com ARCHITECTS A2O Architecture 305-741-7676 www.a20architecture.com William P. Horn, Architect 305-296-8302 www.wphornarchitect.com
ART GALLERIES/ARTISTS Alan S Maltz Gallery 305-294-0005 www.alanmaltz.com The Studios of Key West 305-296-0458 www.tskw.org Wyland Galleries of the Fl Keys 305-292-4998 www.wylandgalleriesofthefloridakeys.com/ CR Gray Sculptor 305-432-6856 www.crgray.com ATM SALES/ PLACEMENT/SERVICE Ocean ATM 877-538-2860 www.oceanatm.com ASSOCIATE INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Robert Lockwood, Public Defender www.robertlockwood.org Mindy Conn, School Board Member 305-293-1400 ATTORNEYS Amanda Velazquez, P.A.-Immaigration Council 786-644-8644 www.amandavelazquez.com Cara Higgins Law 305-294-6030 www.carahigginslaw.com
Donald C. Barrett, P.A. 305-735-4165 www.floridakeysdefense.com Highsmith & Van Loon, P.A. 305-296-8851 Horan Law 305-294-4585 www.horan.law Janssen Siracusa and Keegan, PLLC. 305-428-2776 www.jasilaw.com Jerome A. Ballarotto, Attorney at Law 305- 296-2270 www.ballarottolaw.com Kanner & Pintaluga, P.A. Property Damage Attorneys 305-705-2514 www.hurricanedamage.com Michelle Cates Deal, PA 305-453-6270 www.michellecates.com Smith/Hawks, Attorneys at Law 305-296-7227 www.SMITHHAWKS.COM Spottswood, Spottswood, Spottswood & Sterling PLLC 305-294-9556 www.spottswoodlaw.com/ The Albury Law Firm, P.A. 305-292-7272 www.alburylaw.com/ The Fowler Law Firm, P.A. 305-294-2103 www.richardjfowler.com The Smith Law Firm 305-296-0029 www.thesmithlawfirm.com VDF Law, PLLC 305-849-3893 www.vdf-law.com
AUCTIONS/ESTATE SALES Susie’s Key West Estate Sales 305-587-4616 www.susieskeywestestatesales. net AUTOMOBILE DEALERS NEW/USED/SERVICE Keys Auto Center 305-294-5126 www.KeysAutoCenter.com Niles Sales and Service 305-294-1003 www.nilesauto.com BANKS & CREDIT UNIONS BB & T 305-292-3800 www.bbt.com Centennial Bank 305-676-3149 www.my100bank.com First State Bank of the Florida Keys 305-296-8535 www.keysbank.com Gulf Atlantic Bank 305-394-5100 www.gulfatlanticbank.com IBERIABANK, a division of First Horizon 305-294-4362 www.iberiabank.com Keys Federal Credit Union 305-294-6622 www.keysfcu.org MON. CTY. Teachers Fed. Crd. UN. 305-296-8546 www.monroecountyteachersfcu. org
Fat Tuesday 305-296-9373 www.fattuesday.com
Island City House Hotel 305-294-5702 www.islandcityhouse.com
Hog’s Breath Saloon 305-296-4222 www.hogsbreath.com
Key West Bed & Breakfast 305-296-7274 www.keywestbandb.com
Irish Kevins Bar 305-292-1262 www.irishkevins.com
Mango Tree Inn 305-293-1177 www.mangotree-inn.com
Lagerheads Beach Bar 305-509-7444 www.lagerheadsbeachbar.com
Mermaid & The Alligator 305-294-1894 www.kwmermaid.com
Rick’s/Durty Harry’s 305-296-4890 www.ricksbarkeywest.com
Simonton Court Historic Inn & Cottages 305-294-6386 www.simontoncourt.com
Schooner Wharf Bar at KW Seaport 305-292-9520 www.schoonerwharf.com Sloppy Joe’s Bar 305-294-5717 www.sloppyjoes.com BED & BREAKFASTS/ GUESTHOUSES/INNS Alexander’s Guesthouse 305-294-9919 www.alexanderskeywest.com Avalon Bed & Breakfast, Inc. 305-294-8233 www.avalonbnb.com Banyan Resort, The 305- 296-7786 www.thebanyanresort.com Coco Plum Inn 305-295-2955 www.cocopluminn.com
Southernmost Point Guesthouse 305- 294-0715 www.southernmostpoint.com Westwinds of Key West, Inc. 305-296-4440 www.westwindskeywest.com Wicker Guesthouse 305-296-4275 www.wickerguesthouse.com BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTORS Islamorada Brewery Distillery 305-508-9093 www.islamoradabeerco.com Refreshment Services Inc. (Pepsi) 305-296-6521 www.pepsi.com/en-us
Conch House Heritage Inn 305-293-0020 www.conchhouse.com
BOATS -PRIVATE CHARTERS Fish ‘N Chicks Charters 904-994-5824 www.fishnchickskeywest.com
BARS/NIGHTLIFE Bottle Cap Lounge 305-296-2807 www.bottlecapkeywest.com
Courtney’s Place, Inc. 305-294-3480 www.courtneysplacekeywest.com
Goal Tending Services 305-916-0990 www.gtscharters.com
Bourbon St. Pub 305-293-9800 www.BourbonStPub.com
Duval Gardens 305-292-3379 www.duvalgardens.com
Make It So Charters, LLC 305-209-1331 www.makeitsocharters.com
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Rusty’s Bucket Charters 732-800-1539 www.rustysbucketcharters.com BOATS-ECO TOURS Honest Eco LLC 305-294-6306 www.honestco.org Lazy Dog 305-295-9898 www.lazydog.com BOATS-SIGHTSEEING TOURS Cruisin’ Tikis Key West LLC 1-833-845-4759 www.cruisintikiskeywest.com Key West Party Boats 305-676-6877 www.keywestpartyboats.com BOOKKEEPING SERVICES Keys Bookkeeping Service 305-304-5530 BROCHURE DISTRIBUTOR FPIS, INC. Brochure Distribution and Visitor Information 407-656-8818 www.fpis.com/ BUSINESS SERVICES Alta Vista Resources LLC 305-293-2702 www.altavista-bc.com CABLE TELEVISISON/ INTERNET PROVIDER Comcast Business 305-807-8297 www.business.comcast.com CAMPGROUNDS/ RV PARKS Boyd’s Key West Campground,Inc. 305-294-1465 www.boydscampground.com Leo’s Campground 305-296-5260 www.leoscampground.com Sugarloaf Key K.O.A. 305-745-3549 www.koa.com/campgrounds/sugarloaf-key
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CANNABIS RETAILER MUV 833-880-5420 www.muvfl.com Trulieve 844-878-5438 www.trulieve.com Your CBD Store of Key West 786-655-6888 www.keywest0065.cbdrx4u.com CATERING Catered Affairs of Key West 305-296-2345 www.cateredaffairsofkeywest.com Key West Personal Chef 305-896-2087 www.keywestpersonalchef.com CHEMICAL & PAPER SUPPLIES Key West Chemical & Paper Supply, Inc. 305-294-3703 Kill the COVID 19 Virus 513-702-5672 www.killthecovid19virus.com CHILD CARE SERVICES & FAMILY SERVICES Wesley House Family Services, Inc. 305-809-5000 www.wesleyhouse.org CHIROPRACTOR Excel Chiropractic 305-209-5665 www.excelchirokw.com CINEMA/MOVIE THEATRE Tropic Cinema 305 396 4944 www.tropiccinema.com CLEANING SERVICES Pro Housekeepers 305-345-5165 www.prohousekeepers.com Reliable Cleaning, Inc. 305-294-0539
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
COFFEE RETAIL & WHOLESALE Baby’s Coffee, LLC. 305-744-9866 www.babyscoffee.com COMPUTER SERVICES/ IT SUPPORT Atech Security, LLC 305-923-6085 Paradise Technologies 305-394-1091 www.paradise-technologies.com Tropical Technologies Computer Warehouse, LLC 305-916-5453 www.tropicaltech.com CONCRETE CONTRACTORS All Keys Concrete 305-453-0368 www.allkeysconcrete.com/ Monroe Concrete Products 305-296-9934 www.monroeconcreteproducts. com CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT Ichabod Crane Service 305-872-2661 www.ichabodcraneservice.com/ CONSULTANTS Caso & Co. 305-453-6378 www.casoandco.com D-H & Associates Consulting, LLC 305-292-1208 www.servethemembers.com Elisa Levy Seminars 305-296-5437 www.elisalevy.com Gold Events & Strategies 305-699-9094 LMC Group 603-217-5045 www.lmc.group RS&H 954-775-6949 www.rsandh.com
The Peaceable Parent 678-665-6865 www.facebook.com/ThePeaceableParent Volaire Aviation 972-896-9174 www.volaireaviation.com CONTRACTORS Charley Toppino & Sons, Inc. 305-296-5606 www.charleytoppinoandsons. com/ D.L. Porter Construction, Inc. 741-929-9400 www.dlporter.com Key Iron Works, Inc. 305-294-0277 Neyra Construction LLC 305-800-7767 www.neyraconstruction.com Ocean Construction & Plumbing LLC 305-998-8548 www.oceanconstructionfl.com COPIERS & OFFICE EQUIPMENT Keys Imaging 305- 292-2679 www.keysimaging.com DELIVERY SERVICE KLC Services 305-797-8585 DENTISTS Hector Guzman, D.D.S. 305-294-9914 www.docguzman.com Island Dental 305-294-6696 www.islanddentalkw.com Paradise Dental 305-293-9876 www.facebook.com/ Paradise-Dental-Care DESTINATION MANAGEMENT COMPANY/TRAVEL SERVICES The Keys to Key West, Inc. 305-292-7702 www.gotothekeys.com
DIGITAL MARKETING & ADVERTISING Keyword Marketing 863-397-0471
ENGINEERS David Douglass Associates, Inc. 239-337-3330 www.ddai-engineers.com
FISHING GUIDES & CHARTERS Captain Conch Charters 305-304-5816 www.keywestcaptconch.com
Monroe County Property Appraiser 305-292-3404 www.mcpafl.org
Overseas Media Group 305-906-0272 www.overseasmediagroup.com
Reynolds Engineering Services, Inc. 305-745-1200
Dream Catcher Charters, Inc. 888-362-3474 www.dreamcatchercharters.com
Monroe County School District 305-293-1400 www.keysschools.com
Two Oceans Digital (formerly FloridaKeys.com) 305-292-1880 www.twooceansdigital.com
ENTERTAINMENT Conch Town Music, LLC www.conchtownmusic.com
Linda D Sportfishing 305-304-8102 www.charterboatlindad.com
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 305-292-7000 www.keysso.net
SoundWave 305-294-9121 www.soundwavekeywest.com
FLOOR COVERINGS Big Ass Hardwood Floors, LLC 305-453-6478 www.bigasswoodfloors.com
Morale, Welfare & Recreation 305-293-2112 www.naskw.navy.mil
YuzzBuzz 888-815-3552 www.yuzzbuzz.com DRY TORTUGAS FERRIES & SEAPLANES Key West Seaplane Adventures 305-293-9300 www.keywestseaplanecharters. com Yankee Freedom 305-294-7009 www.yankeefreedom.com ELECTRIC CARS/SCOOTERS/ BIKE RENTALS A & M Scooter Rental 305-296-0514 www.amscooterskeywest.com/ Conch Electric Cars of Key West 305-294-0995 www.conchelectriccars.com ELECTRIC CONTRACTORS Florida Keys Electric, Inc. 305-296-4028 www.flkeyselectric.com/ ELEVATOR SALES & SERVICE Accurate Elevator Inspection Services, Inc. 305-743-4422 www.accurateelevators.com EMPLOYMENT SERVICES CareerSource South Florida 305-594-7615 www.careersourcesfl.com Labor Finders of Miami, Inc. 877-717-9339 www.laborfinders.com
ESCAPE ROOM Key West Room Escape 305-916-5517 www.keywestroomescape.com FERRY SERVICE Key West Express 239-463-5733 www.keywestexpress.net Seastreak LLC 732-708-1240 www.seastreak.com FESTIVAL & EVENT ORGANIZERS Fantasy Fest 305-295-9112 www.fantasyfest.com Redbone Celeb. Tourn. Series 305-664-2002 www.redbone.org FIBERGLASS SHOP Fiberglass Shop of Key West 305-295-0101 FINANCIAL PLANNING CONSULTANTS Barack Pensions, Inc. 305-294-2686 Merrill Lynch Wealth Managemnt 305-295-2359 www.local.ml.com/ KEY_WEST_FL/ FISHING CHARTERSMULTI DAY DRY TORTUGAS Captain Andy Griffiths 305-296-2639 www.fishandy.com
FLORISTS Kutchey’s Flowers 305-292-8181 www.flowersinkeywest.com FOOD DISTRIBUTORS Cheney Brothers, Inc. 561-845-4700 www.cheneybrothers.com Eleven Oaks Farms 717-360-8249 www.elevenoaksfarms.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER EGAD, Inc., Designer Eric Grahl 305-849-1907 GROCERY STORE Fausto’s Food Palace 305-294-5221 www.faustos.com HANDY MAN SERVICES Eric Hart, Mr. Fix It 216-469-8002
US Foods 704-467-5131 www.usfoods.com
HARDWARE Strunk Ace Hardware 305-296-9091 https://www.acehardware.com/ store-details/01369
FUNERAL DIRECTORS Dean Lopez Funeral Home 305-872-2929 www.deanlopezfuneralhome.com
HEALTH CLUB FYT Key West 305-453-6176 www.fytkeywest.com
FURNITURE STORES Royal Furniture/Royal Floors & Windows 305-295-6400 www.keysfurniture.com
HEALTH-PERSONAL TRAINER WeBeFit 305-296-3434 www.webefit.com
GOLF COURSES Key West Golf Club 305-294-5232 www.keywestgolf.com GOVERNMENT AGENCIES City of Key West 305-809-3700 www.cityofkeywest-fl.gov Florida Keys Mosquito Control 305-292-7190 www.keysmosquito.org
HOME HEALTH SERVICES/ HOSPICE CARE Amedisys 786-329-4035 www.amedisys.com HOME INSPECTORS All Aspects Inspections Service, Inc. 305-745-1200 www.allaspectsflkeys.com All Islands Inspections LLC 305-240-5641 www.aiikw.com 2020-2021
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HOSPITALS/CLINICS Community Health of South Florida, Inc. 305-252-4820 www.chisouthfl.org Lower Keys Medical Center 305-294-5531 www.LKMC.com Rural Health Network of Monroe County 305-517-6613 www.rhnmc.org HOTELS/MOTELS/RESORTS 24 North Hotel 305-320-0940 www.24northhotel.com Almond Tree Inn 305-296-5415 www.almondtreeinn.com Amsterdam’s Curry Mansion Inn 305-294-5349 www.currymansion.com Azul Key West 305-296-5152 www.azulkeywest.com Barbary Beach House Key West 305-292-9800 www.barbarybeachhousekeywest. com Best Western Hibiscus Motel 305-294-3763 www.bestwestern.com Blue Marlin Motel 305-294-2585 www.bluemarlinmotel.com Casa Marina Resort 305-296-3535 Courtyard Marathon by Marriott 305-289-2100 www.marriott.com/mthmc Doubletree Grand Key Resort 305-293-1818 www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ eywdtdt-doubletree-resort-grandkey-key-west
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El Patio Motel 305-296-6531 www.elpatiomotel.com
Key West Marriott Beachside 305-296-8100 www.keywestmarriott.com
Southernmost House 305-296-3141 www.southernmosthouse.com
Equator Resort 305-294-7775 www.equatorresort.com
Kimpton Winslow Bungalows 305-294-5229 www.ihg.com/kimptonhotels/ hotels/us/en/winslowsbungalows-key-west-fl
Southwinds Motel 305-296-2215 www.keywestsouthwinds.com
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott 305-296-5700 www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/ eywfi-fairfield-inn-and-suites-keywest
LaConcha Hotel and Spa 305-296-2991 www.laconchakeywest.com
Galleon Resort, The 305-296-7711 www.galleonresort.com
Laureate Key West 305-295-7509 www.thelaureatekeywest.com
H20 Suites 305-296-3432 www.h2osuites.com
Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina 305-294-4000 www.margaritavillekeywestresort.com
Hampton Inn Key West 305-296-3500 www.hamptoninn3.hilton.com/ en/hotels/florida/hampton-innkey-west-EYWKKHX/accommodations/index.html Harborside Motel & Marina 305-294-2780 www.harborsidemotel.com Havana Cabana at Key West 305-294-5541 www.havanacabanakeywesthotel. com/ Hilton Garden Inn 305-320-0920 www.hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/ en/hotels/florida/hilton-gardeninn-key-west Hyatt Centric Key West Resort and Spa 305-809-1234 www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/ florida/hyatt-centric-key-westresort-and-spa/kwest Ibis Bay Resort 305-296-1043 www.ibisbayresort.com Island House 305-294-6284 www.islandhousekeywest.com
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Sugarloaf Lodge 305-745-3211 www.sugarloaflodge.net Sunset Key Cottages 305-292-5300 www.sunsetkeycottages.com The Gardens Hotel 305-294-2661 www.gardenshotel.com The Gates Key West 305-320-0930 www.gateshotelkeywest.com
Marker Waterfront Resort 305-501-5193 www.themarkerkeywest.com
The Inn on Fleming 305-294-4043 www.theinnonfleming.com
Ocean Key Resort 305-809-8072 www.oceankey.com
The Perry Hotel Key West 305-296-1717 www.perrykeywest.com
Oceans Edge Key West Resort Hotel & Marina 305-809-8204 www.oceansedgekeywest.com
The Reach Key West, Curio Collection by Hilton 305-296-5000 www.reachresort.com
Orchid Key Inn 305-296-9915 www.orchidkeyinn.com
Travelers Palm Inn & Guesthouse 305-304-1751 www.travelerspalm.com
Parrot Key Hotel and Villas 305-809-2200 www.parrotkeyhotel.com
HUMAN RESOURCE OUTSOURCE COMPANY Renaissance HR, Inc. 954-292-8055 www.renaissancehr.net
Pier House Resort & Caribbean Spa 305-296-4600 www.pierhouse.com Santa Maria Suites 305-296-5678 www.santamariasuites.com Silver Palms Inn 305-294-8700 www.silverpalmsinn.com
Right Sized Resources 305-697-4401 ICE CREAM/ FROZEN YOGURT SHOPS Ben and Jerry’s 305-296-2559 www.benjerry.com/keywest
Courthouse Deli & Whit’s Frozen Custard 305-294-2929 www.courthousedelikw.com
INTERIOR DECORATORS Jane Gardner Interiors, LLC 312-914-7546 www.janegardnerinteriors.com
MARITIME SERVICES Caribe Nautical Services, Inc. 305-294-3288 www.caribenautical.com
Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge and Ice Cream 305-320-0986 www.kilwins.com
INTERNET SERVICES Broadwave 305-767-1467 www.broadwave.com
MEDICAL CLINIC Midway Specialty Care Center Key West 305-395-7677 www.midwaycare.org
Tropical Vibes 305-209-0366 www.tropicalvibesconesandbowls.com
JEWELERS Key West Treasure Chest, LLC 305-293-8008 www.facebook.com/ Key-West-Treasure-Chest
Wicked Lick Liquid Nitrogen Crafted Ice Cream 954-605-5100 www.wickedlick.com INSURANCE - LIFE American Insurance Alliance Corp. 305-389-7779 www.aiaginsurance.com INSURANCE - GENERAL Fullers Insurance 305-294-6677 www.fullersinsuranceofkeywest.com Insurance Office of America 305-294-4494 www.keysinsurance.com Isaksen Insurance, Inc. 305-872-0097 www.isakseninsurance.com Key West Insurance 305-294-1096 www.keywestinsurance.com Keys Anchor Insurance Agency 305-741-7373 www.keysanchorins.com Porter Allen Company 305-294-2542 www.porterallencompany.com Southernmost Insurance Agency 305-296-5052 www.southernmostinsurance.com United Atlantic Insurance Group 305-748-2134 www.unitedatlanticinsurance.com
Mel Fisher’s Treasures 305-295-9555 www.melfisher.com Whitfield Jack, Jewelry Genius tm 828-862-3285 www.jewelrygenius.com LANDSCAPING Blue Native of the Florida Keys 305-872-4050 www.bluenativekeys.com Pearson Tree Service 305-896-1400 LEGAL SERVICES ADA Expertise Consulting, LLC 305-896-3000 www.ADAexpertise.com LIMOUSINE SERVICE AAA Limo 305-731-4340 www.AAALIMOFL.com MAINTENANCE – LEAK DETECTION American Leak Detection Inc. 954-792-4333 www.americanleakdetection.com MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY Sunset Harbor 305-296-5013 www.suncommunities.com MARINAS A&B Marina 305-294-2535 www.aandbmarina.com/
MERCHANT SERVICES Crown Merchants 828-459-9991 www.crownmerchants.com MOLD REMEDIATION Certified Mold Treatment Solutions, LLC 305-879-1839 www.moldfree.net MORTGAGE COMPANY Citistar Mortgage LLC 305-216-2040 www.citistarmortgage.org Sanford Mortgage Corporation 305-296-3333 www.sanfordmortgagecorp.com Southernmost Financial Corp 305-304-7000 www.smfcmortgage.com MOVING COMPANIES DRN Moving, Inc. 305-295-6683 www.drnmoving.com MUSEUMS Audubon House & Tropical Gardens 305-294-2116 www.audubonhouse.org Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum 305-294-1136 www.hemingwayhome.com Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory 305-296-2988 www.keywestbutterfly.com Mel Fisher Maritime Museum 305-294-2633 www.melfisher.org
Oldest House & Gardens, The 305- 294-9501 www.oldesthousekeywest.com Seacamp/New Harbor Marine Institue 305-872-2331 www.seacamp.org Tennessee Williams Key West Exhibit, Inc. 305-842-1666 www.kwahs.org/museums/ tennessee-williams/visit Truman Little White House 305-294-9911 www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com NAIL SALON AND SPA SERVICES Flow Spa LLC 305-296-0772 www.flowspakeywest.com NEWSPAPER The Key West Citizen 305-292-7777 www.keysnews.com The Keys Weekly Newspaper 305-453-6928 www.keysweekly.com NURSING HOMES/REHABILITION Palm Vista Health & Rehabilition 305-296-4888 www.palmvistanursing.com ORGANIZATIONS FL Small Business Development Center at FIU 305-779-9230 sbdc.fiu.edu Florida Keys Children’s Shelter 305-852-4246 www.fkcs.org Guardian ad Litem Program 305-292-3485 www.guardianadlitem.org Safer, Cleaner Ships 305-395-1899 www.safercleanerships.com Salvation Army 305-294-5611
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Silverliners of Key West 305-797-1500 www.facebook.com/ silverliners.keywest Take Stock in Children 305-293-1546 www.monroecountyedfound.com
Florida Keys Council of the Arts 305-295-4369 www.keysarts.com Florida Keys SHRM 305-293-6024 www.flkeysshrm.shrm.org
United Way of the Florida Keys 305-735-1929 www.keysunitedway.org
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association 305-598-3752 www.frla.org
Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade/Monroe 305-296-5557 www.elcmdm.org
Habitat For Humanity of Key West and Lower Fla. Keys, Inc. 305-294-9006 www.habitatlowerkeys.org
A.H. of Monroe County, Inc. 305-296-6196 www.AHMonroe.org
Historic Fla. Keys Foundation, Inc 305-292-6718 www.historicfloridakeys.org
American Red Cross of Greater Miami & the Keys 305-432-9596 www.redcross.org/southflorida
Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly Foundation 833-396-5673 www.josewejebefoundation.org
Boys and Girls Club of the Keys 305-296-2258 www.bgckeys.org
Key West Association of Realtors 305-296-8259 www.keywestrealtors.org
Cancer Foundation of the Fl Keys 305-294-7300 www.cancerffk.org
Key West Attractions Association 305-293-7249 www.keywestattractions.org
Community Foundation of the Florida Keys 305-292-1502 www.cffk.org
Key West Bar Pilots Association 305-296-5512
FL Keys National Marine Sanctuary 305-809-4700 www.floridakeys.noaa.gov Florida Caribbean Cruise Association 954-441-8881 www.f-cca.com Florida Keys AHEC 305-743-7111 www.fkahec.org Florida Keys Community Land Trust 917-941-4633 www.affordablekeys.org
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Key West Botanical Garden Society, Inc. 305-296-1504 www.keywest.garden Key West Business Guild 305-294-4603 www.kwbgonline.org Key West Garden Club 305-294-3210 www.keywestgardenclub.com Key West Woman’s Club Hellings House Museum 305-294-2039 www.keywestwomansclub.org Literacy Volunteers of America - Monroe County, Inc. 305-294-4352 www.lva-monroe.org
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Lodging Assoc. of the Florida Keys and Key West 305-296-4959 www.keyslodging.org
PHOTOGRAPHERS Karrie Porter Photography 305-517-3558 www.kporterphotography.com
Mary Spottswood Women’s Center 305-296-0240 www.samuelshouse.org
PHYSICIANS Florida Spine Specialists 305-294-9680 www.floridaspinespecialists.com
Monroe Association of ReMARCable Citizens 305-294-9526 www.marchouse.org
Key West Institute for Plastic Surgery 305-809-8011 www.keywestinstituteforplasticsurgery.com
Monroe County Commercial Fishermen’s Association 305-619-0039 www.fkcfa.org Rotary Club of Key West www.keywestrotary.com Rotary Club of Sunset Key West www.sunsetkeywestrotary.org Sunrise Rotary of Key West www.keywestsunriserotary.com Zonta Club of Key West 305-304-9117 www.zontakeywest.com A Positive Step of Monroe County, Inc. 305-304-1969 www.apsmc.org PACKAGING MATERIALS & SERVICES UPS Store 6896 305-414-8347 www.theupsstorelocal.com PARKING LOTS KW Parking, LLC 305-509-4110 PEST CONTROL SERVICES Terminix 305-292-0441 www.terminix.com Williams Pest Control, LLC 305-745-4321 www.williamspestcontrol.net
Keys Dermatology 305-296-3334 www.pruettdermatology.com Keys Medical Group 305-295-3477 www.keysmedicalgroup.com Michelle Bachtel, M.D., F.A.C.C. 305-294-5727 www.keysmedicalgroup.com/ doctors Mount Sinai Cardiology of the Florida Keys 305-294-8334 www.msmc.com/key-west Southernmost Foot & Ankle Specialist 305-294-5553 www.urgentfootcare.com Teri Beers-Rossi, MD PA 305-292-3339 www.beersmd.com Womankind 305-294-4004 www.womankindkeywest.org PHYSICIANS - OPTOMETRISTS Key West Optical 305-294-9711 www.keywestoptical.com PLUMBING CONTRACTORS Certified Lower Keys Plumbing 305-296-2744 www.clkp.com
Gary’s Plumbing, Inc. 305-296-6013 www.garysplumbingandfire.com
Island 106.9 305-296-1069 www.island1069.com
POOL CLEANING & REPAIRS Endless Summer Pools of Key West 305-699-8950 www.endlesssummerpoolskw.com
Party 105.7 / WGAY -FM 305-296-9968 www.keysparty.com
Pool Man of Key West 305-240-1462 www.thepoolmanofkeywest.com PRINTERS Key West Printing LLC 305-517-6711 www.keywestprinting.net LOCAL ENTERPRISES 305 293-4501 www.barrettprinting.com PROMOTIONS/CONCERTS Rams Head Presents, Rams Head Promotions 305-985-0433 www.keywestconcertseries.com PROPERTY MANAGERS ICAMCO, Inc. 305-396-3045
Pirate Radio 305-294-1017 www.pirateradiokeywest.com REAL ESTATE Bascom Grooms Real Estate 305-295-7511 www.bascomgrooms.com Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Knight & Gardner Realty 305-928-1440 www.keysrealestate.com Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate 305-296-7727 www.realestatefloridakeys.com Compass Realty 305-292-1881 www.compass-realty.com Integra Investments 305-774-0110 www.integrafl.com
Key West Vacation Properties & Realty 305-296-6667 www.kwvpr.com
John Parce, Realtor 305-942-1040 www.parcerealestatekeywest.com
New Moon Management Group, Inc. 305-293-8888 www.keywestmediators.net
Key West Luxury Real Estate 305-849-8683 www.keywestluxuryrealestateinc.com
Vacasa - Key West Vacation Rentals 305-296-9292 www.vacasa.com/usa/Florida/ Key-West
KW Commerical & Business Brokering - The Swan Team 305-563-0053
PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRMS Newman PR 305-461-3300 www.newmanpr.com RADIO STATIONS Florida Keys Media 305-296-7511 www.weow927.com
Suzanne Moore Real Estate Services 305-797-0699 www.keywestrealestateservices.com Truman & Co Real Estate Services 305-292-2244 www.trumanandcompany.com Vacasa Real Estate 305-916-9020 www.buyingthekeys.com
Grand Cafe Key West 305-292-4740 www.grandcafekeywest.com Hard Rock Cafe Key West 305-293-0230 www.hardrock.com La Trattoria Venezia 305-296-1075 www.latrattoria.us Mangoes Restaurant 305-294-8002 www.mangoeskeywest.com
RESTAURANTS A&B Lobster House 305-294-5880 www.aandblobsterhouse.com
Martin’s on Duval 305-295-0111 www.martinskeywest.com
Alonzo’s Oyster Bar 305-600-3405 www.alonzosoysterbar.com
Moondog Cafe & Bakery 305-741-7699 www.moondogcafe.com
Benihana Steak Seafood Sushi 305-294-6400 www.benihana.com
Paradise Restaurant 305-293-9599 www.restaurantparadisekw.com
Blue Heaven Restaurant 305-296-8666 www.blueheavenkw.com
Pinchers Crab Shack of Key West, Inc. 305-440-2179 www.pinchersusa.com
Conch Republic Seafood Company 305-294-4403 www.conchrepublicseafood.com Croissants de France 305-294-2624 www.croissantsdefrance.com DJ’s Clam Shack 305-294-0102 www.djsclamshack.com Duffy’s Steak and Lobster House 305-296-4900 www.duffyskeywest.com
Rams Head Southernmost 305-440-3196 www.ramsheadsouthernmost.com Smokin Tuna 305-517-6350 www.smokintunasaloon.com Southernmost Beach Cafe 305-295-6550 www.southernmostbeachcafe.com
Ocean Sotheby’s International Realty 305-294-1117 www.oceansir.com
El Meson De Pepe 305-295-2620 www.elmesondepepe.com
Stock Island Yacht Club and Marina 305-292-3121 www.spottswoodmarinas.com/ stock-island-yacht-club
RE/MAX Keys Connection 305-296-1400 www.floridakeyscommercial.com
El Siboney Restaurant 305-296-4184 www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com
Sushi Song 305-916-5288 sushisong.com/key-west
Spottswood Companies 305-294-6100 www.spottswood.com
Goldman’s Bagel Deli 305-294-3354 www.goldmansdeli.com
Two Friends Patio Restaurant 305-296-3124 www.twofriends.com
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Wahlburgers Key West 305-433-2020 www.wahlburgers.com/keywest Wendy’s 305-296-5770 www.menu.wendys.com White Tarpon 305-851-2388 www.whitetarponkeywest.com RETAIL – ART Key West Art Center 305-294-1241 www.keywestartcenter.com RETAIL – SPICE & TEA Spice & Tea Exchange of Key West 305-741-7352 www.spiceandtea.com/keywest RETAIL – WATERSPORTS ACCESSORIES Divers Direct 305-293-5122 www.diversdirect.com RETAIL – CLOTHING Birkenstock of Old Town 305-294-8318 www.birkenstore.com Kirby’s Closet 305-847-9977 Lilly Pulitzer 305-295-0995 www.lillypulitzer.com Madda Fella 305-363-2952 www.maddafella.com Saltwater Angler 305-296-0700 www.saltwaterangler.com The Angling Company, LLC. 305-292-6306 www.anglingcompany.com Tunaskin Aquatic Apparel 239-330-3388 www.tunaskin.co
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RETAIL – FOOD & BEVERAGE Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe 305-296-0806 www.Keylimeshop.com
SCHOOLS – ACADEMIC – COLLEGE & UNIVERSITIES Grand Canyon University 305-619-1963 www.gcu.edu
RETAIL – GIFT SHOP Fairvilla Mega Store 305-292-0448 www.fairvilla.com
The College of the Florida Keys 305-296-9081 www.cfk.edu
Hemingway Home Bookstore Too 305-735-4385 www.hemingwayhome.com Key West Aloe, Inc. 305-735-4927 www.keywestaloe.com Local Color 305-296-0151 www.localcolorkeywest.com River Street Sweets Savannah’s Candy Kitchen 305-922-2144 www.ILovePralines.com RonJon Surf Shop 305-293-8880 www.ronjonsurfshop.com Tervis 305-296-8252 www.tervis.com Truval Village Market Place 305-295-9221 www.shadowandfish.com RETAIL – SWIMWEAR Key West Swimwear 305-204-4866 www.keywestswimwear.com RETAIL – WINE & FOOD SPECIALTIES Key West Fine Wines 305-916-5742 www.keywestfinewines.com ROOF CONTRACTORS Perfection Roofing & Construction, FL Inc. 305-233-1316 www.perfectionroofing.com
KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SEAFOOD – RETAIL & WHOLESALE Fishbusterz Retail, LLC 305-294-6456 www.keywestseafooddepot.com SECURITY SERVICES Keys Armored Express, Inc. 305-294-3555 www.keysarmoredexpress.com SEMINARS/CONSULTING NHCG 203-623-2615 www.nhcg.com SHOE STORE Kino Sandals, Inc. 305-294-5044 www.kinosandalfactory.com Sandal Factory/T-Shirt City 305-292-9700 www.sandalfactory.com Charleston Shoe Co. 786-971-6191 charlestonshoeco.com SKIN CARE Florida Salt Scrubs 754-214-9379 www.FloridaSaltScrubs.com SNORKLEING & SUNSET EXCURSIONS Classic Harbor Line- America 2.0 305-293-7245 www.sail-keywest.com Danger Charters Corp. 305-304-7999 www.dangercharters.com Fury Water Adventures 305-292-4600 www.furycat.com
Sunset Watersports 305-294-1500 www.sunsetwatersportskeywest.com S/V Argo Navis 305-509-1771 www.hinducharters.com SPA SERVICES Nailtini Nail Bar & Day Spa 305-294-4443 www.nailtinikeywest.com STORAGE – HOUSEHOLD & COMMERCIAL Keys Mini-Self Storage 305-296-3912 www.keysminiselfstorage.com Midgard Key West, LLC 305-296-1818 www.midgardselfstorage.com/ self-storage/fl/key-west/roosevelt-blvd Old Town Self Storage 305-294-5009 www.storagekeywest.com U.S. #1 Mobile Storage, Inc. 305-294-0277 SWEET SHOP – CANDY, ICE CREAM, FUDGE, ETC. Mattheessen’s Candy Kitchen 305-923-5418 mattskeywest.com SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTORS Salinero Construction, LLC 305-294-7618 TELEPHONE SERVICES AT&T Florida 305-296-5007 www.att.com Norstar Telecom, Inc. 305-942-9535 TELEVISION STATION Key TV 305-773-4016 www.wcay.floridakeystv.tv
THEATERS/MUSIC Impromptu Classical Concerts 508-221-0425 www.keywestimpromptu.org Red Barn Theatre 305- 296-9911 www.redbarntheatre.com Waterfront Playhouse 305-294-5015 www.waterfrontplayhouse.org TITLE & ABSTRACT COMPANIES First International Title 305-396-7902 www.firstintitle.com TOUR OPERATORS Conch Tour Train 305-294-5161 www.conchtrain.com Historic Tours of America, Inc. 305-296-3609 www.historictours.com/keywest Key West Food Tours 305-570-2010 www.keywestfoodtours.com Old Town Trolley Tours 305-296-6688 www.trolleytours.com/key-west Robert the Doll Experience Ghost Tour at Fort Martello 305-395-1435 www.GhostFort.com Southernmost Scavenger Hunt 305-292-9994 www.wherespinky.com TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Coral Restoration Foundation 305-453-7030 www.coralrestoration.org Hemingway Rum Co. 305-414-8754 www.papaspilar.com Key West Aquarium 305-296-2051 www.keywestaquarium.com
Mote Marine Laboratory 305- 745-2729 www.mote.org
At Home in Key West, Inc. 305-296-2594 www.athomekeywest.com
Theater of the Sea, Inc 305-664-2431 www.theaterofthesea.com
Cayo Hueso Resorts 305-797-1500 www.cayohuesoresorts.com
Up The Keys Tours 305-928-8592 www.upthekeys.com
Conch Republic Cottages 305-296-9090 www.keywesthideaways.com
TOWING SERVICES Arnold’s Towing 305-296-3832
Historic Hideaways 305-294-3064 www.historichideaways.com
TRANSPORTATION – INDIVIDUAL & GROUPS Keys Shuttle 305-289-9997 www.keysshuttle.com
Historic Key West Vacation Rentals 305-296-1010 www.historickw.com
TRAVEL AGENCY/ ONLINE BOOKING SERVICE Amiga Travel 305-504-6500 www.amigatravel.com Treasures In Travel 305-923-9078 www.treasuresintravel.com
WEDDINGS – DESTINATION WEDDING & EVENT PLANNER Conch Concierge Weddings 305-292-2292 www.conchconciergeweddings.com Florida Keys and Key West Weddings 305-522-9449 www.coconutcove.net We’ve Got the Keys 305-295-9112 www.wevegotthekeys.com
Key West Coconut Beach Resort 305-294-0057 www.coconutbeachresort.com Key West Oasis 215-300-9727 www.keywestoasis.com Key West Vacation Homes 305-292-8905 www.keywestvacationhomes.com
TRAVEL WHOLESALER TripShock! 800-450-7139 www.tripshock.com
Last Key Realty, Inc. 305-292-6266 www.lastkeyrealty.com
UTILITIES Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority 305-296-2454 www.fkaa.com
Preferred Properties of Key West 305-294-3040 www.preferredpropertieskeywest.com
Keys Energy Services 305-295-1000 www.keysenergy.com
Rent Key West Vacations, Inc. 305-294-0990 www.rentkeywest.com
KW Resort Utilities Corp 305-295-3301 www.kwru.com
Sea Vista Estate 305-745-8832 www.seavistaestate.com
Operations Management International, Inc./JACOBS 305-292-5100 www.keywestwastewater.com
Vacation Homes of Key West 305-294-7358 www.vhkw.com
VACATION RENTALS All Florida Keys Property Mgmt 305-294-8877 www.1800atlantic.com
WEBSITE DESIGN & SERVICES Toledo Web Designs 419-930-8700 www.toledowebdesigns.com
WASTE REMOVAL Waste Management 305- 296-8297 www.wm.com
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FANS/FOLLOWERS: 20,794 CONTENT POSTED: 396 CONTENT VIEWS: 2,528,881
FANS/FOLLOWERS: 7,865 CONTENT POSTED: 302 CONTENT VIEWS: 825,305
It was a wild year for social media with much of the content focusing on updates about the COVID epidemic. Still, there was time for finding the silver lining in all the chaos, resulting in well over three million views of Chamber content.
SOCIAL FANS/FOLLOWERS: 169 CONTENT POSTED: 176 CONTENT VIEWS: 48,260
FANS/FOLLOWERS: 1,971 CONTENT POSTED: 463 CONTENT VIEWS: 171,400
FANS/FOLLOWERS: 122 CONTENT POSTED: 63 CONTENT VIEWS: 24,001
1,179
190,358
NUMBER OF VIDEO MINUTES WATCHED ON FACEBOOK
MEDIA In advance of Valentine’s Day our Key West Love Story contest provided the chance for couples to relive their southernmost wedding or proposal, with one winner emerging from a poll of followers. The contest reached 49,452 viewers, generating 64,787 impressions, 7,764 Engagements, and logging 256 Comments and 419 Shares.
NUMBER OF VIDEO HOURS WATCHED ON YOUTUBE
The Chamber’s Buy Local campaign in October reached almost 14,000 on Instagram, generating 15,852 impressions and 804 likes, all the while providing deep discounts to member attractions, restaurants and retail stores.
THE KEY WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE THANKS THE INCREDIBLE STAFF FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION.
KERRY BAKER
EDWARD DAWICKI
DOROTHY SCHMIDA
Associate Executive Vice President
Director of Research
Administrative Assistant/ Committee Liaison
SHAY PENKE
GLADYS CLARKS
Tourist Information Receptionist/ Office Assistant
Tourist Information Receptionist
PROUDLY SERVING KEY WEST SINCE 2000
WASTE MANAGEMENT OF THE FLORIDA KEYS 125 Toppino Industrial Drive MM 8.5 | Rockland Key 305.296.8297
#1 in The Florida Keys over the last 2 decades
THANK YOU Commercial Services Commercial Sales Commercial Leasing Business Brokerage Tenant Representation Estate Representation Value Mediation
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Team Gardner/Langley | 305.902.2447 Commercial@KeysRealEstate.com | www.KeysRealEstate.com © 2021 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol areregistered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate.